Youths from the Niger Delta region on Sunday expressed solidarity with Dr Ibe Kachikwu, Minister of State for Petroleum and dismissed reports that he lied about his degree class.

Pastor Tiedor Olayinka, Spokesman for coalition of Niger Delta Youth Leaders said in Yenagoa that reports that Kachikwu claimed to have obtained a first class degree was false and mischievous.

The group noted that records of Kachikwu’s academic background were in public domain, even as the Minister clarified in a statement at the weekend that he never claimed to hold a first class degree in law.

“Kachikwu’s profile has always been in public domain, and he is a man of impeccable character, we are therefore wondering the reason behind this mischievous report on him, which he has denied.

“It is worrisome that despite ongoing efforts by the federal government to contain the issue of fake news, some people circulate falsehood to the public as ‘investigative news’.

“We condemn this malicious campaign of calumny orchestrated by those who feel threatened by Kachikwu’s career and reforms in the oil and gas sector as Minister of State for Niger Delta.

“He remains a shining example of the caliber of brilliant minds from the Niger Delta and we stand by him, those who are envious of his position should look at his track records at Exxonmobil where he was Vice President before he was appointed minister,” Olayinka said.

The youths urged the Federal Government to be wary of the antics on those whose pastime is to blackmail top Government functionaries.

They further advised the Federal Government should intensify its war against fake news and to take decisive action against those behind it.

They noted that the coming of Dr. Ibe Kachikwu as the Petroleum Minister of State has sanitised the oil sector with renewed focus by the introduction of reforms and sound policy direction that has brought about efficiency in the sector.

They noted that efforts made by Kachikwu who criss-crossed the region’s creeks in search of peace has restored peace to the once restive Niger Delta and paved way for increased oil production.

“Oil facilities and gas pipelines were-attacked and production levels were disrupted while our output targets dropped sharply then.

“The concerted efforts Dr. Ibe Kachikwu put in during those dark days, meeting key relevant stakeholders at the creeks of the Niger Delta eventually pave the way for the then Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, to tour the Niger Delta,” Olayinka said.

He argued that Kachikwu’s performance and pedigree was an inspiration to the younger generation and deserves commendation from his critics.

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