Ateke Tom upgraded to first class king, gets certificate from Gov. Fubara
The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has upgraded a former Niger Delta agitator, Ateke Tom, to a first class king.
Governor Fubara also presented the staff of office and a certificate of recognition to the former Niger Delta agitator.
The presentation of the staff of office and certificate of recognition to Tom, who became the king of Okochiri, a kingdom in Okirika Local Government Area in 2017, was performed at the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Governor Fubara, who upgraded Tom from the second class king level to which he was promoted by former Governor Nyesom Wike, said he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool he is occupying in recognition of his efforts at promoting peace in his locality and the state.
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He said this also followed consultations with the people.
He said: “We will continue to consult.
“We will not act as dictators.
“We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us.
“We will not force people to talk good about us.
“Our legacy will be a signature of how we led.
“We are at a crossroads in our state where we all need to stand for what is right.
“It happens once in a lifetime.
“So, for now, be one of those people who will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State.
“We will do those things that are right to develop our State.”