The name HEINEKEN LOKPOBIRI is one unique name that has echoed and continued to re-echoe in Bayelsa state politics and beyond. As a matter of fact, the name has remained a household name for close to three decades.
Heineken Lokpobiri joined politics at a very young age precisely at the inception of our contemporary democracy in 1999. He contested for the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and was subsequently elected as the pioneer Speaker of the house.
His eloquence, vibrant and radical nature and disposition made him to be very independent minded. As Head of the Legislature which is the Symbol of Democracy, he never wanted to play fiddle role to the Executive Arm so he was later impeached as Speaker. He was humiliated and relegated.
But despite the pains that he went through, he never gave up. He contested for the Senate and he was denied. He remained resilient. He contested again and won and he stayed in the Senate for Two Terms (8years).
As a Senator, the name HEINEKEN LOKPOBIRI was everywhere. He made sound contributions to National Debates at the Senate and other fora.
After his service at the Nigerian Senate, he was appointed as Minister of State for Agriculture during the first term of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Thereafter, he desired, aspired and strived to be Governor of Bayelsa State Government during the 2019 Governorship, but the political system and equation suggested otherwise.
Interestingly, this unique and very outstanding illustrious son of the Ijaw Nation who know the Power and Importance of Education never sacrificed Education for politics or any other thing. He never settled down or relaxed with his first degree in Law. Rather, he pursued his Master and Doctorate degrees in Law and today, he is a Ph.D holder in Law.
Today, Very Distinguished Senator Heineken Lokpobiri is the Hon. Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil). He is not just a Minister of Petroleum by name, he is doing very well and so much. He is pushing our people into the system without noise. Cheeringly, through his doggedness, Nigeria has won the bid to host the African Energy Bank that will be domiciled herehere in our great country. The above means more opportunities including employments and empowerments for our great people.
LESSONS
Moving forward, it is pertinent to learn some key lessons.
1. Senator Heineken Lokpobiri has remained resilient in the midst of daunting challenges.
2. He persevered. He never gave up.
3. He is known for patience.
4. He has remained focused.
5. He is a Team player.
6. He believes in his people. He is never alienated from his people. He believes in the people at the grassroot.
7. He is very prayerful.
8. He prioritizes the empowerment of his people.
9. He believes in the potentials of young people.
10. He values young talents.
11. He places high premium on Intellectuals.
12. He is humble and very accessible.
CONCLUSION
Despite the challenges and pains that Very Distinguished Senator Heineken Lokpobiri went through and has gone through, he has never given up at any time. As a matter of fact, it is his resilience and strong determination for success that has brought him so far.
He was rejected, insulted, abused and humiliated many times but he never gave up and the truth remains that rejection, humiliation and challenges are actual catalysts for success.
As a person, I am never deterred by the negative things that people say about me. Like Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and the Best Horses that win Horse Races, I am always focused at my targets/goals.
Young people should learn some great lessons here.
– Most Senior Comrade Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli a.k.a Mirror and Conscience of Society.