The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has warned Nigerians and corporate organisations against engaging in any business or financial dealings with his estranged wife, Susan Waibode.
The warning was contained in a public notice signed by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Nneamaka Okafor, and published in some national newspapers.
Lokpobiri said Waibode was no longer married to him and does not represent him, the office of the Minister or the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources in any capacity.
He declared that Waibode currently holds no official affiliation with or authorisation from him or the ministry to act on his behalf or on behalf of the federal government.
The minister also disowned the activities of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) linked to her, the “Reaching Every Adult and Child Foundation,” saying any engagement with the organisation is independent of him and the ministry.
He said: “Members of the public, corporate bodies, and organisations are kindly advised to exercise discretion in their dealings with Susan Waibode or in connection with the activities of the ‘Reaching Every Adult and Child Foundation’, as such engagements are independent of the Honourable Minister and the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources.”
Lokpobiri further stated that neither he nor the ministry would be responsible for any representations, commitments, transactions, financial dealings, programmes or activities undertaken by Waibode or the foundation.
He urged members of the public to seek clarification and verify any claims of representation, endorsement or affiliation with him or the ministry through appropriate official channels, adding that the notice was issued in the interest of clarity and to enable the public make informed decisions.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Honourable Minister and the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources are not responsible for any representations, commitments, transactions, financial dealings, programmes, or activities undertaken by Susan Waibode or the Foundation,” the minister maintained.
Emmanuel Addeh
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