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Tag: Ateke Tom

  • Wike to Ateke Tom: stay out of Rivers politics 

    Wike to Ateke Tom: stay out of Rivers politics 

    … I will not allow myself to be buried politically – minister

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike on Saturday advised the traditional ruler and the first Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom to stay out of Rivers politics. 

    Wike gave the advice when he visited the king’s palace as part of his ‘thank you visit’ to Okrika Local Government Area. 

    The minister, who has been moving round the LGAs, informed the monarch that political activities will soon commence in the state, adding that he wanted the traditional ruler to keep his kingdom peaceful. 

    Wike said decisions have already been taken on what to do concerning the burning issues in the state. 

    He emphasised that he visited the traditional ruler due to his personal relation with the monarch as his friend. 

    While also addressing the the people of Okrika, Wike said disturbed with the current political situation in the state vowed to resist any attempt to be buried politically. 

    Read Also: Rivers: No second chance for Fubara, says Wike

    Wike said, “Why we came is to thank our people who have supported us all this while. The people of Okrika, the people of the Ijaw nation have supported us very very well and so I felt that it will be good to thank them for their support, we don’t take their support for granted, we are very grateful people. 

    “We will soon start politics, I didn’t say you should be involved, don’t be involved. Allow us to play our politics, stay as a traditional ruler. I don’t want anybody to say tomorrow you are putting your hand, don’t put your hands. 

    “But that does not mean that you don’t have anybody you support in your heart, but allow us to play our game. If there’s any problem, you call us, we will settle, but I want to tell you that it will not be business as usual again. 

    “All of us have taken a decision on what to do, I believe those of them who are your children will tell you the decision we have taken, just for your ears, not for you to participate. You are my friend.”

  • Ateke Tom: I joined Niger Delta agitation to expose region’s plight

    Ateke Tom: I joined Niger Delta agitation to expose region’s plight

    …King receives ECOWAS lawmakers

    The King of Okochiri in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, His Royal Majesty King Michael Ateke Tom, has said he actively participated in the Niger Delta agitation to draw the attention of the federal government and the international community to the suffering of his people.

    The monarch made this known on Wednesday while receiving members of the ECOWAS Parliament at his palace in Okochiri.

    The parliamentarians were in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, for the 2nd Extraordinary Parliamentary Session on “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Parliamentary Efficiency, Ethical Governance, and Development in the ECOWAS Region.”

    In a statement issued by his Media Assistant, Ifeanyi Ogbonna, King Ateke Tom explained that his involvement in the struggle was driven by the deplorable conditions in the oil-rich region.

    He said, “My intention was to draw the attention of the Federal Government and the world to the plight of the Niger Delta, a region that produces oil and gas yet suffers the most.

    “The agitation brought the Federal Government’s focus to our challenges. It was that same movement that created the opportunity where our people were remembered, like Goodluck Jonathan could emerge as President.

    “I wanted the Federal Government to truly see what was happening here, the pollution, the poverty, the suffering of our people amidst the wealth generated from oil exploration.

    “Eventually, the government responded, and I was among those who helped to broker peace. I appealed to the agitators to lay down their arms and give peace a chance, and many did. Today, we are seeing the results of that peace.”

    The king appealed to the ECOWAS Parliament to use its platform to advocate for continued support and development of the Niger Delta.

    He said, “We appreciate what the government has done so far, but there’s still a long way to go to lift our people out of poverty. I urge you to include this in your legislative considerations.”

    The king expressed his readiness to work with the Federal Government to tackle insecurity across the country.

    “As a traditional ruler, I am not a politician. I’m ready to contribute my experience to efforts aimed at restoring peace and security in the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole”, he said

    Speaking on behalf of the parliamentarian, Dr. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, the National Assembly member representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency and Nigeria’s representative in the ECOWAS Parliament, expressed appreciation to the King.

    He said that the visit was aimed at learning from the King’s experience to consolidate peace in the Niger Delta.

     Abiante said, “We are here to engage with you and seek insights on how the peace in the Niger Delta can be further strengthened, which will guide our legislative work at the ECOWAS Parliament.

    In her remarks, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, commended the King for his role in achieving peace in the region.

    She said, “We are honoured to be with you and learn from your leadership. Your efforts in ensuring peace in the Niger Delta are commendable and provide valuable lessons for the broader ECOWAS region.”

    The Third Deputy Speaker, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, said that the King’s reputation preceded him, especially among former agitators who had undergone training in Ghana.

     He said, “We have heard many positive things about your contributions to peace and development. That’s why we insisted on visiting your palace while in Rivers State.’

    The Fourth Deputy Speaker, Billay Tunkara, urged the king to share his insights with the Federal Government, saying they could help significantly in addressing security challenges across the country.

  • Wike/Fubura feud: Rivers monarch Ateke Tom warns against infusion of ethnic colouration

    Wike/Fubura feud: Rivers monarch Ateke Tom warns against infusion of ethnic colouration

    King Ateke Tom, the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom in Rivers State, has cautioned against the introduction of ethnic divisions into the ongoing dispute between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former Governor Nysemo Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja.

    He emphasized that the dispute should be understood as a political disagreement between a mentor and his protege.

    King Ateke Tom also called on the seasoned elders and Royal fathers of the state to come together as a collective force to mediate between the warring factions to prevent further escalation of the matter.

    The monarch in a statement issued on Tuesday, November 1, called for peace and reconciliation amid a tumultuous relationship between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nysemo Wike.

    He warned: ” No one should give any ethnic colouration and dimensions to the issues noting that Nyesom Wike as an Ikwere man was instrumental to the emergence of Gov Fubara as a riverine man against all odds, as such, people should not use this minor dispute to instigate ethnic sentiments for their political gains.”

    He also pointed out that there is an urgency to put an end to the ongoing crisis, stating that such turmoil would bring no benefits to the state or its people.

    Read Also: Varsity walks for healthy living 

    According to him, there is need to sustain the development stride and peace by the previous administration which the current administration was part of and which we hopeful will be improve on.

    He added: “People should not turn the current unfortunate event into a political gain because Rivers State recorded peace and progress under ex-governor Nysemo Wike which has been sustained and shown signs greater prospects of progress and peace under Governor Fubara. As a royal father, I advise both sides to maintain restrain and allow wisdom to prevail in these circumstances.

    “Fubara is a governor to all and not a section? so it not proper to whip ethnic sentiments over temporary misunderstandings involving two leaders who have had a long history together.

    The king Advised the two great sons of the state to consider their long years of relationship and what they accomplished together and still have to do together for the good of Rivers state and seek for better and understanding ways to settle differences.

    He noted: “That it is quite unfortunate and disappointing to see what happened just within months of the new government.”

    King Ateke Tom expressed his fervent hope for a swift return to normalcy in the government and legislative processes in the state, emphasizing that this would be in the best interests of Rivers’ citizens, residents, and the business community.

    He also called on the police command in Rivers state to release the arrested youth who were protesting to foster reconciliatory efforts and peace process

    He stated: “I, Ateke Michael Tom, Amanyanabo of Ancient Okochiri Kingdom, call upon all the people of Rivers State to set aside any differences, political or otherwise, that threaten the peace and stability of our great state.”

    “It is our duty to seek common ground and ensure that the future of Rivers State is one of harmony and progress. Let us engage in dialogue, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence. The future of our state depends on our unity.”

    “My call is a resounding appeal for peace, a call for unity, and an invitation to dialogue. In these trying times, when political tensions have reached a boiling point, we should constrain ourselves and hold the promise of a brighter future for Rivers State.

    “The people of Rivers State have been presented with an opportunity to rise above the current challenges and chart a course towards a more stable and harmonious future.”

    He further urged all political actors and stakeholders in the state including the Royal fathers and the youth, the custodians of tradition and the architects of the future, to join hands in steering the state away from conflict and towards prosperity.

    The monarch stated: “The path to peace and reconciliation is open, and it is up to the residents of Rivers State to take those crucial steps towards a brighter and more unified future.”

  • 2019: Investigate all electoral infractions now – PANDEF tells FG

    The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) on Friday called on the Federal Government under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, to immediately investigate all electoral infractions that took place during the 2019 general elections held on February 23 and March 9, 2019.

    While stressing that there should be no sacred cows in the investigation, PANDEF also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to bring to conclusion the process of collation of the Rivers State Governorship Election Results and the winner declared, so as to douse the political tension in the State.

    In a statement by the National Secretary of PANDEF, Alfred Mulade and made available to the Nation, the group appealed to the Federal Government to de-militarize the Niger Delta, so as to enable every citizen go about his/her lawful endeavors.

    The statement reads: “The reported killings, militarization, intimidation, electoral gangsterism and the attendant security situation in some states in the Niger Delta, particularly, in Bayelsa and Rivers States, has become a source of worry.

    “The Abonnema killings in Rivers State, reportedly orchestrated and perpetrated by the military and political thugs, apparently working on the influence of certain politicians with nefarious tendencies, during the Presidential election held on February 23, 2019, is a classic example of how certain desperate politicians and soldiers could instigate mayhem on innocent and defenceless citizens.

    “It must be noted with  every sense of responsibility  the dastardly act of militarization, intimidation, killings, electoral gangsterism and brinkmanship, during this period, and particularly  heightened during the governorship and House of Assembly polls  on March 9, 2019, as was seen in the case of Rivers State,  is not one anybody should pride himself about.”

    READ ALSO: Hungry old men endorsed Atiku – PANDEF

    PANDEF stated that the show of brigandage allegedly demonstrated in Rivers State, by the Army, the Air Force, the Police and other paramilitary personnel by invading the Independent National Electoral Commision (INEC) Office in Port Harcourt, in a bid to arm-twist and intimidate the INEC Officials in a bid to swing the results of the election to a predetermined candidate, is very dangerous for democracy.

    The Forum noted that the action by the military, was condemnable, and should be condemned by every lover of the Nigeria project, adding that for the fact that the Army issued a denial of their involvement in the shameful act was not enough to completely exonerate them.

    It added that the more the denials from the Military, the more their professionalism, rules of engagement, efficiency and neutrality becomes foggy and doubtful.

    “Is the military ‘crying’ that bloody civilians’ have taken over their duties?

    “If the Theory of neutrality being canvassed by the military is anything to go by, how come the harassment of innocent Niger Deltans in the likes of  Alhaji Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, HRM Ateke Tom, Traditional Ruler of Okochiri – Okrika and a host of others?.

    “Why has the Army been so involved and entangled with election matters that they are now being out-smarted by so-called civilians-in-uniform?” the statement querried.

    “It must be placed on record, and the Federal Government must be reminded that, the Army, statutorily, has NO business with election duties, and so should NOT have been so deployed, in the first place.

    This is a matter that has been conveniently laid to rest by the Court of Appeal, in 2015,” the statement read further.

  • Monarch’s palace raided in Rivers

    Troops of 6 Division of the Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday raided the palace of King Ateke Tom, an ex-militant “General”, in Okorochi-Okrika, Okrika Local Government Area, for illegal arms and ammunition.

    It was gathered that one of Tom’s aides was killed during the raid.

    The 6 Division’s Deputy Director of Relations, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, was yet to confirm the incident as at last night.

    While Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi was Rivers governor, Ateke and other militants were chased out of the state, with Amaechi vowing never to negotiate or fraternise with criminals and militants.

     

  • Relocation: Ateke Tom, DSS stave off invasion of Shell Base by Rivers youth group

    The intervention of former Niger Delta warlord and the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom in Okirika Local Government Area of Rivers State, His Royal Majesty, King Ateke Tom and the Director, Department of State Security Services (DSS) in the state, staved off a massive protest against Shell supply base  yesterday.

    The protesting youth had gathered in their hundreds in Onne  and were about marching on the supply base of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO) in the Oil and Gas Free Zone, Onne, when the royal father and the DSS Director intervened, prevailing on them to give room for dialogue before the planned protest.

    National President of the Rivers State Youth Federation, Saviour Patrick was subsequently invited to a meeting with the duo to discuss the grievances of the youths.

    Patrick said the group resorted to protesting the planned relocation by SNEPCO of its Supply Base from Onne, to Lagos; a move which he said will lead to significant job loss in the state.

    The outcome of the meeting was still being awaited  as at press time.

    Last month, more than 1,000 youths under the aegis of the Onne Youths Council (OYC) staged a peaceful protest at the SNEPCO Supply Base, asking the company to rescind its decision on relocating the base from the free zone to the Lagos port.

    The President of OYC, Comrade Philip John Tenwa, who led the peaceful protest, said the planned relocation would lead to the loss of more than 5,000 direct and indirect jobs.

    The protesters carried placards with various inscriptions condemning the planned relocation of the supply base and requested relevant authorities to intervene in the matter.

    He said, “We are here today on behalf of our numerous members and indeed the entire Onne Community to draw the attention of the Nigerian government and indeed the world to the plan by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO) to relocate its Supply Base from the Onne Port to Lagos.

    Shell’s Media Relations Manager, Bamidele Odugbesan, said the oil giant is not relocating its logistics operational base in Onne. He said the firm is only developing an alternative logistics  base in Lagos as part of expansion to create more value.

    On the protest, he said stakeholder engagement is continuing.

  • Ateke Tom sues APC chieftains for alleged defamation

    Ateke Tom sues APC chieftains for alleged defamation

    The Amanyanabo of Okochiri clan in Okirika Local Government of Rivers State, King Ateke Tom, has sued eight chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for allegedly defaming his character.

    The ex-militant leader is urging the State High Court, Port Harcourt, to award N1 billion damages against the respondents for portraying him in a bad light.

    He is also seeking an order directing the defendants to apologise to him in three well-circulated  newspapers.

    The defendants are the state APC Chairman, Dr. Davies Ikanya, Secretary Emeka Bekee, ex-federal lawmaker Asita O. Asita and Dumo Lulu Briggs.

    Also joined in the suit are Elder Sampson Ngerigbara, Prince Tonye Princewill, Sekonte Davies and Lawrence Chukwu.

    The suit is sequel to the December 11, 2017 pro-SARS protest during which APC chieftains criticised the government for supporting and encouraging the giving of chieftaincy titles to Tom and Don Wanni,” despite knowing their antecedents” and subsequently uplifting Tom’s traditional title to a second-class chief.

    The suit reads: “On the 11th day of December, 2017 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the defendants falsely and maliciously wrote and published or caused to be written and published of and concerning the claimant in the way of his office as a second-class traditional ruler recognised by the Rivers State government in the form of written banner wherein his picture was displayed in his traditional regalia beside that of the Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Chief Nyesom Wike, with the following inscriptions on it: GOV. WIKE IS MAKING CRIMINALS KINGS AND ATTACKING SECURITY AGENTS.”

    Tom wants the court to compel the defendants to jointly and or severally pay him N1 billion for libel and defamation of character.

    He sought a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants whether by themselves or their supporters from making any further defamatory publication concerning the claimant or his office in any form whatsoever, as well as an undertaking to that effect.

    The suit is, however, yet to be assigned to a court.

  • ATEKE TOM SPONSORS 500 YOUTHS TO SEE ‘SANDCASTLE’ IN P/HARCOURT

    AS ‘Sandcastle’, the recent movie by Nollywood actress and producer, Sylvia Edem, premieres in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State today, ex Niger Delta militant, Ateke Tom, has bought 500 tickets for Niger Delta youths to watch it.

    Ateke Tom praised the theme of the movie which focused on the plight of the the physically challenged in the society and according to him, it is the kind of message that Nollywood movies should project. He also commended Sylvia Edem, the producer of the movie.

    Sandcastle, a romantic thriller, stars Wale Ojo, Charles Okocha, Mary Uranta,  Shirley Igwe,  Sylvia Edem and others.

    The premiere of ‘Sandcastle’ at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Lagos had in attendance celebrities such as Emem Isong, Patrick Doyle, Byran Opara, Charles Okocha, Ushebebe, Mimi Ojiakor, Mr Isichei Osamgbi, Head, Public Relations, NIMASA, Henry Uranta, Chidi Nwokeabia, Bassey Okon, Sapphire Ogodo, Sophia Williams, Praiz Sam Organ and others.

    In the movie directed by Edward Ukah, Sylvia plays the role of Timi, a young blind girl who finds favour in the eyes of a prominent man Ayade, Wale Ojo. Esosa-Mary Uranta, upwardly mobile lady and every man’s dream, yet not satisfied tries to compete for the attention of Ayade, the blind girl’s love interest.

    Sylvia Edem, Mary Uranta, Ushebebe, Charles Okocha and Shirley Igwe will meet and interact with fans at the cinemas.

  • Stop causing more harm to N’Delta, Ateke warns Avengers

    Stop causing more harm to N’Delta, Ateke warns Avengers

    The former Niger Delta war lord, Ateke Tom has warned the faceless newly formed Niger Delta Avengers to stop causing more harm to the region through their criminal activities, saying that attack on oil installations would only bring pains and suffering to the people of the region.

    Ateke, while condemning the activities of the Avengers whom he described as desperate criminals said no Niger Delta youths would support any criminal act in the region.

    The Okrika High Chief spoke Monday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital while reacting on the activities of the Avengers and the effect on the people of Niger Delta.

    He regretted that if the group continues with their criminal activities it would once again expose women and children in the region to serious hardship, adding that he is ready and willing to offer assistance to the Federal government to negotiate with the Avengers if the group is ready for peace.

    He called on the security agencies to fish out the criminals and prosecute them in line with the law if they refused to lay down their arms and unmasked themselves as responsible citizens.

    Ateke said: “As one of the peace ambassadors in this region, I want to state it clear that any responsible Niger Delta youths would not support the criminal act being perpetrated by the so-called Niger Delta Avengers. I   condemned in totality the activities of this frustrated,   faceless and desperate masked group called the Avengers.

    “I am also pleading with the ex-war lords not to use the issue of the avengers to hit up the  polity by causing trouble in the  region, either by name calling or by insulting our elders and chiefs. Bombing and destroying our oil installations and government properties in the region is only exposing children and women to another hardship.

    “I want to call on the elders and chiefs in this region to talk to their children; there is no gain in violence and trouble making. We must see ourselves as one and learn how to support the government at the centre whether we are in support of it or not. In my state I have since started sensitization campaign against kidnapping and vandalism.”

     

  • MOSOP rejects Ateke Tom, others for Ogoni clean-up

    The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has said the planned use of ex-militants in the implementation of the United Nations Environmental Programme’s (UNEP’s) report in Ogoniland is not acceptable.

    MOSOP, which is the umbrella body of the Ogoni, said the comments credited to the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brig-Gen. Paul Boroh (rtd), were unsettling.

    According to MOSOP, Boroh said ex-militants would be part of the clean-up in Ogoniland and that he had met with ex-militant leader Chief Ateke Tom and other stakeholders on that.

    Speaking through its Publicity Secretary, Mr Fegalo Nsuke, MOSOP, in a statement in Port Harcourt yesterday, described Boroh’s comment  as part of a greater conspiracy by the Federal Government against the Ogoni.

    Nsuke said there was no security threat in Ogoniland to warrant the involvement of ex-militants in implementing the UNEP report as the Ogoni would cooperate with experts in charge of the programme for a successful implementation.

    He said: “MOSOP wishes to state that there is no security threat to the Ogoni clean-up exercise, except General Boroh is instigating one, which he will need to clarify.

    “Boroh’s statement is not only suspicious but corroborates our fears that the government has deliberately ignored the Ogoni environmental restoration project, citing frivolous excuses.

    “MOSOP notes that the Ogoni people awaits the implementation of the UNEP report and will cooperate with all agencies, including security personnel, to see that the programme is successful.

    “We are disturbed by Gen. Boroh’s strange security arrangements outside the Police and other relevant agencies charged with the responsibility to secure people.

    “MOSOP is worried about the security implications of Gen. Boroh’s  statement, especially his discussions with ex-militants like Ateke Tom, a non-Ogoni and an indigene of Okrika, who should ordinarily not play a role in the circumstance.”