Blessing Okorite, Port Harcourt
Paramount ruler of Okochiri kingdom in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, King Ateke Michael Tom, has urged all stakeholders involved in the electoral process of the 2019 general elections as well as the electorate to maintain peace during the exercise in the area.
This was as the monarch lamented huge presence of military personnel in the area, alleging that their actions recently has brought tension and fear in the area.
King Ateke who was a former leader of Niger Delta agitators spoke on Friday in a statement signed by Chief Tamunokonbia L. O. Akaluogbo.
The king further urge the soldiers to play by the rules during the elections, stressing that the area has been and will remain peaceful even after the exercise.
Said he, “I am using this medium to draw the attention of Nigerians and the international community to be aware of the Nigeria army’s provocative, intimidation and militarisation in my kingdom, Okochiri.
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“Today (Thursday) at about 12noon almost 50 trucks loads of soldiers besieged my palace and home. This is unacceptable. I therefore call on the Nigeria army to play by the rules of the game because their militarisation is causing panic and fear around Okrika which has been adjudged as the most peaceful local government area in the country.”
Meanwhile, the king has denied sponsoring or supporting any political party in the elections.
Ateke was reacting to recent alleged publication by an online media.
According to him, “My attention has been drowned to an on line publication in some media outlets Premium Times in particular that, I king Ateke Micheal Tom, sekuro of Niger delta, Amanyanabo of Okochiri kingdom has endorsed the candidature of President Buhari.
“I want to state here that there are no elements of truth in the said publication. It is never in my character to cheapen myself to such act for anything purpose.
“More so, as a traditional ruler loved and respected by my people, I will not betray the respect and love they have for me on the altar of partisan politics let alone endorsing a candidate. My disposition as a traditional is to advice my people and indeed my millions of admirers to stay out of violence and peacefully cast their votes for their preferred candidates in this election.”