Niger Delta: Ateke Tom assures peace in the Region
By Mattello Felix Jnr
In order to win together and restore peace among the Niger Deltans and Nigeria by extension for sustainable development, Domestic Refinery Owners Association of Nigeria (DROAN), over the weekend, consulted HRM. King Ateke Tom (JP), Sekuro 1 of Niger Delta, Amayanabo of Okochiri Kingdom in Okirika LGA, Rivers State.
The visit delegation was led by the National Chairman of the association Comrade Godwin Sunday and National Secretary Comrade Emmanuel Yowika as well as the NWC members of DROAN, Rivers State Chapter.
In his opening remark, after a brief introduction by the National Secretary of the association, the National Chairman used the occasion to eulogise HRM. King Ateke Tom for using his position to build peace in the region since he was coronated in 2017 as King of Okochiri Kingdom in Okirika land, and also thanked him for creating time to receive them.
The National Chairman used the occasion to disclose and divulge the unprecedented achievements of (DROAN) on separate occasion during the course of the agitation towards actualizing their vision.
He narrated that, “they have unanimously agreed to come into dialogue with the Federal Government to add value to chain production of petroleum products through their instrumentality and ”we have been on this course of agitation for years. We had resolved within ourselves, including our members in the creeks to standown activities and engage the government through creativity to put an end to oil theft and regulate local oil refineries into Petroleum mainstream sector to boost and improve our country’s GDP”.
He raised serious concerns over the devastating effects of oil exploitation in the region which obviously have led to environmental pollutions, degradation and other negative effects on their ecosystem.
In his response, HRM. King Ateke Tom applauded the leadership of (DROAN) for putting up efforts and pulling through the vision to this stage. He assured (DROAN) of his maximum support and promised to stand by them at any given time and also lend a words of wisdom to the association.
According to him; “the pursuit for peace is a great commitment that requires sacrifices to achieve , and wining peace is far greater than the victories and trophies of many battles won without peace”. He said.
HRM emphasized on the need to promote every vision that will unite and bring about peace in the Niger Delta Region.
In a separate reaction, DROAN named the Ambassador of peace “A National Patron” and promised to decorate him very soon.
