Ex-militant militant leader- turned traditional ruler in Rivers State, King Ateke Tom, Amayanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, has pledged his domain’s support for the second term bid of the state governor, Nyesom Wike sa a way of reciprocating his elevation to second class monarch.
Wike, barely one month after Ateke was crowned as King of Okochiri, Okrika Local Government Area of the state, made good his promise to elevate the ex-militant leader to a second class status, a gesture considered unprecedented in the kingdom.
According to a statement by Samuel Iyoyo, Chairman, Publicity Committee of the kingdom, King Ateke said: “It is the benevolence of the governor that has made it possible for the kingdom to achieve this feat barely a month after my coronation”
Also, Chairman, Koniju Council of Chiefs, Chris Opuayaraya, called on the governor to “make himself available to contest Rivers State governorship in 2019 and bring more development to all parts of the state.”
The people equally thanked former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, for her support for the development of Okichiri Kingdom and promised to ensure that peace reigns in the kingdom.