FROM: TONY JOHN, PORT HARCOURT
FORMER Niger Delta militant leader, Ateke Tom, has expressed gratitude to God for using the recent Supreme Court judgement that recognised Governor Nyesom Wike’s victory at the April 11, 2015, gubernatorial election, to save the people of Rivers State.
This is even as the people of Okrika Local Government Area of the State have demanded the removal of soldiers from their area, saying they were not at war.
Ateke, who was the leader of Niger Delta Vigilante (NDV) stated this on Friday, while addressing journalists at his country home, Okrika, headquarters of Okrika Local Government Area of the State.
He expressed surprise at the unanimous decision of the apex court, saying that he was worried about what would have happened to the state, if the judgement did not favour Wike.
“I have lost weight because I was thinking about what will happen in Rivers State. This victory saved so many souls. God knew what would have happened, that was why He did it this way. A lot of killings could have taken place, but the Supreme Court ruling has averted that.
“You know, when Supreme Court has not passed the judgement, they had already passed their own judgement; attacking people, raiding houses, destroying people’s property, raping people’s wives. You won’t believe the number of youths they (security men) have killed in this state.
“All these things happened before the judgement. So, how would it have been during election? We are very happy and I appeal to all Rivers residents, including Dr. Dakuku Peterside, to join hands with Governor Nyesom Wike in moving the state forward. We need to thank God for what He has done for us”, he said.
Speaking on the forthcoming National Assembly and State House of Assembly re-run elections scheduled for February 6, the Peace Ambassador expressed optimism that tension had been doused with Wike’s victory.
He said: “God will still take control. The bloody expectation will reduce because with the judgement of the Supreme Court, a lot of people have learnt a lesson”.
The ex-militant leader advised Wike and Peterside to come together in the interest of the state, even as he urged the governor to carry everybody along.
He also called for the de-militarisation of Okrika Local Government Area, stressing that the influx of soldiers and military check-points in the area was worrisome.