The Amanyanabo of Okochiri, Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, HRM Michael Ateke Tom, has said his decision to take up arms in the Niger Delta struggle was to draw attention to the plight and marginalisation of the oil-rich region.
King Ateke, a former militant leader, said the agitation by the militants eventually got the Federal Government’s attention, adding that part of its benefit was the emergence of Goodluck Jonathan from the region as Nigeria’s president.
Ateke spoke on Thursday when he received members of the ECOWAS Parliament on a courtesy visit to his palace in Okochiri.
The delegation, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima was in Port Harcourt for the 2nd Extraordinary Parliamentary Session on “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Parliamentary Efficiency, Ethical Governance, and Development in the ECOWAS Region.”
Reflecting on his past involvement in the Niger Delta militancy, the monarch 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 of Nigeria.
“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.”
He urged the ECOWAS Parliament to use its platform to advocate for sustained development in the Niger Delta.
“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,” Ateke said.
The monarch also pledged his readiness to support national efforts to tackle insecurity, stressing,
“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 parliamentarians, Dr Awaji-Inombek Abiante, who represents Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, praised the monarch’s peace advocacy. “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,” he said.
The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima also commended the monarch, saying, “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.”
Similarly, the Third Deputy Speaker, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, said Ateke’s reputation preceded him. “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,” he noted.
The Fourth Deputy Speaker, Hon. Billay Tunkara, urged the monarch to continue sharing his insights with the Federal Government, saying they could prove useful in addressing insecurity across the country.
The King’s mouthpiece, Chief Dr Chris Opuayaraya, expressed gratitude for the visit, stating, “The King is always open to partnerships with governments, organisations, and individuals committed to peace and development in the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.”
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