EMMANUEL Ibe Kachikwu, minister of state for Petroleum Resources, has dissociated himself from the fake campaign posters irculating in the Federal Capital Territory linking him to the 2019 governorship elections in Delts State.

Kachikwu said in a statement, he did not authorise and that he had no political ambition. The statement said in part: “The office of the honourable minister of state for Petroleum Resources hereby dissociates itself from the campaign posters which he has absolutely no knowledge of. The honourable minister of state for Petroleum Resources has not indicated any interest in running for any elective political office in Delta State.

“Kachikwu is focused on delivering on the reforms currently being implemented in the petroleum sector under the leadership of President Buhari and Ag. President Osinbajo in line with his duties as minister of state for Petroleum Resources and chair of the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC.”

Consequently, the minister said he remained committed to effectively representing Delta State, his state of origin, in the federal cabinet to institutionalise transparency, accountability and productivity in the Nigerian oil and gas sector.

He said despite challenges of the office, measurable progress had been made in achieving important milestones under his watch and that the petroleum sector is more transparent and contributes more to the national coffers than before. Hence, he would rather consolidate on the progress made so far than be distracted by politics.

“Kachikwu would like to urge stakeholders in both the Oil and Gas sector and indeed, the general public to discountenance these unfounded speculations.

“The honourable minister of Sstate for Petroleum Resources assures all Nigerians of his and Government’s continued commitment to the welfare and well-being of the citizenry, while thanking them for usual cooperation and collaboration towards achieving the lofty dreams of a thriving Oil and Gas sector for Nigeria,” the statement said.

Aug 14, 2017 @ 17: 20 GMT