King Ateke Tom, the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom in Okirika Local Government Area of Rivers State, has waded into Nigeria’s escalating insecurity crisis, calling on insurgents and all perpetrators of violence to immediately cease their actions and embrace peace. As the Sekuro of the Niger Delta and Bese Puko of the Wakirike Nation, the former Niger Delta agitator emphasized national unity, warning that tribalism must not fracture the country’s fabric amid a surge in abductions and other violent incidents nationwide.
In a heartfelt statement issued by his media assistant, Ifeanyi Ogbonna, to commemorate his 8th coronation anniversary as Amanyanabo of Okochiri, King Ateke Tom urged citizens from every corner of Nigeria—North, South, East, and West—to shun violence and foster peaceful coexistence. “Nothing is permanent. Whatever comes will always go. I call on everyone… to shun violence and embrace peace. We must learn to live together. I beg you all for peaceful coexistence. Let love reign; it is the only way we can break barriers,” he stated.
The monarch highlighted the diverse gathering at his anniversary celebration, which included Dr. Ali Dalori, APC Deputy National Chairman (North), representing Vice President Kashim Shettima and the APC National Working Committee; traditional rulers from the Ogoni, Ikwerre, and Wakirike Nations; and representatives from the Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba communities in Rivers State. “As you can see, the Hausas, Igbos, and Yorubas are here eating and drinking together. This shows my desire for peace and unity in our nation,” Ateke Tom noted, using the event as a powerful symbol of inter-ethnic harmony.
This impassioned plea comes at a critical juncture, as Nigeria grapples with a wave of kidnappings and banditry. Recent reports indicate over 250 schoolchildren abducted in the northwest last week, the killing of an Anglican priest after a month in captivity, and fresh attacks in Niger State where bandits seized a pregnant woman and 23 others. Analysts attribute much of the unrest to criminal gangs exploiting weak security, though government officials often point to jihadist influences. Ateke Tom’s intervention underscores the urgent need for stability, particularly in the resource-rich Niger Delta, where historical militancy has evolved into broader calls for equitable development.
The king also reaffirmed his commitment to transformative leadership, promising to attract more federal and state projects to Okochiri while safeguarding his people’s interests. “All I need is your maximum support. Everyone should stand with me during my reign. My reign will continually be fruitful. With your prayers, we will achieve all our aims,” he assured his subjects.
In a bold declaration against division, Ateke Tom declared, “Tribalism has been erased from the dictionary. What we have now is one Nigeria.” He stressed that no Nigerian should face discrimination or ill-treatment, asserting every citizen’s right to live and own property anywhere in the country.
King Ateke Tom’s history as a former leader of the Niger Delta Vigilante adds weight to his voice; he surrendered under the 2009 amnesty program and was crowned Amanyanabo of Okochiri in 2017. His anniversary event not only celebrated personal milestones but also served as a clarion call for national healing, reminding Nigerians that unity remains the bedrock of progress.
