The People of Okochiri Kingdom in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, threatened legal action against former Governor Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi over statement linking their Monarch and Amayanabo of Okochiri, King Michael Ateke-Tom to the alleged insecurity in the State.
Amaechi had during the burial of Former Supreme Court Justice, Godwin Karibi-Whyte in Abonnema, Akuku-Toru Local Government on Saturday said the state is back to the “Days of Ateke, time when Ateke held sway”, referring to when the traditional ruler was still a militant.
Addressing journalists on behalf of the people, Chairman of Okochiri Kingdom Council of Chiefs, Jackson Adoki-Ibiteinbo, said the statement was malicious, describing it as an insult to not only King Ateke-Tom but to the ancient stool of Okochiri kingdom.
He condemned the statement and gave the Transport Minister and former Rivers governor seven days ultimatum to withdraw his statement and apologize to King Ateke-tom.
Adoki-Ibiteinbo stated that the former Niger Delta Warlord reportedly fought for the freedom of the region and its resource control.
He warned the Minister of Transportation to desist from his continuous de-marketing of Rivers State, as the state is yet to benefit from his position.
“King Ateke-Tom, the king of Okochiri Kingdom is doing his best to maintain peace not just in Okochiri Kingdom but in Rivers State and Niger Delta Region. His practical general effort are well known, seen, and celebrated by all people and humanity.
“Rotimi Amaechi should know that King Ateke-Tom does not need him for anything on earth, therefore whatever opinion or grudge he may hold against King Ateke-Tom is not new to us and at such he should bury his head in shame.
“We call on Rotimi Amaechi to focus on the political work confronting him, rather than constantly pick on a king whose acceptance generosity and popularity have made him a toast for his people. May he continue to live and wallow in disparage, while Rivers State continue to make productive progress without his input as a serving federal Minister from Rivers State”
On his part, President General, Wakirike Federation, Comrade Charles Medford, stressed that if former Governor Amaechi does not withdraw the statement within seven days, they would have no option but to take legal action against him.
“It is a shame that a former Governor of Rivers State who has a federal appointment as a Minister of Transportation has not brought any meaningful project to Rivers State. He is going about insulting an Ijaw King, we would never accept it as Wakrike people and to every king of Wakrike land, they should be regarded with so much respect.
“We are calling on the Minister of Transportation to withdraw his statement and apologize to the Ijaw nation in the next seven days or we will take legal action against him” By Henry Okere PH
