By: Felix Ikpotor
People of Okochiri Kingdom in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, have issued a seven-day ultimatum to former Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to withdraw his statement and apologize to the Amayanabo of Okochiri, King Michael Ateke-Tom for linking him to the persistent insecurity in the State.
While condemning the statement, they described it as an insult and a show of disrespect to the ancient stool of Okochiri.
They also noted that King Ateke Tom fought for freedom of the Niger Delta and its resource control.
Transportation Minsiter, Chibuike Amaechi, had during the burial of former Supreme Court Justice, Godwin Adolphus AKaribi-Whyte in Abonnema, Akuku-Toru Local Government on Saturday said the state is back to the time when Ateke held sway, referring to when the traditional ruler was still a militant and terrorizing the state and the region.
Reacting to the comments by Amaechi, the Chairman of Okochiri Kingdom Council of Chiefs, Jackson Adoki-Ibiteinbo, who spoke to newsmen on behalf of the people said the statement was malicious and intended to embarrass King Ateke-Tom.
He however warned the Minister 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 want to remind Rotimi Amaechi that as the Minister of Transportation all he has given to Rivers people as project is hatred, division, bloodbath, and oppression, while the present Governor of the state is employing every means to repair the damages.
“Rotimi Amaechi since leaving office as Governor of Rivers State has never said anything good about Rivers State, he is a man that does not see good in other people’s efforts. He sees every opinion contrary to his as immaterial, no matter how good it is.
“His actions are what denied his party in the last election the right to submit a Governorship candidate and candidates for other elective positions in Rivers State. He does not understand what true politics without hatred in the spirit of sportsmanship is all about.
“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”
Also speaking, President General, Wakirike Federation, Comrade Charles Medford, emphasized that if 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”
