Ateke Tom: From Freedom Fighter To Nationalist by Nwokoma Messiah

During the latter days of ex Presidnt Olusegun Obasanjo, militancy as a phenomenon pervaded the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. This region which undoubtedly has contributed immensely to the coffers of the country was left so undeveloped by successive regimes despite the fact that they wanted the best for themselves. The absence of which gave rise to the Kiama Declaration of 1999.

The advent of militancy as an approach towards seeking redress for successive abandonment of the region dealt a solid blow to the revenue of the country leading to the drop in crude oil production and revenue generation then. Those involved in sabotaging the crude oil production of the country felt it was the best approach towards ensuring that the plight of the region receives acclaimed attention and action from the relevant authorities.

One of the protagonists in the fight for the economic rights of the people was no other person than High Chief Ateke Tom the leader of the Niger Delta Vigilante Force. Ateke alongside his comrades fought to ensure the economic emancipation of the region employing different approach and tactics in the creeks of the Niger Delta to engage the Nigerian military those days but the coming of the late Umar Yaradua with an irresistible carrot approach cladded in humility and patriotism aimed at pacifying the restive youths of the Niger Delta through the introduction of amnesty and the amnesty programme decimated the restiveness in the region and has to a very large extent paved the way for increased oil production in the country and increased revenue generation.

One person, whose acceptance of the amnesty plan assisted in stabilizing oil production in the region amongst others, is no other person than High Chief Ateke Tom. High Chief Ateke Tom’s acceptance of the amnesty was well celebrated then and was commended by the then president late Umar Yaradua who stressed that Ateke’s acceptance of his amnesty initiative will go a long way in bringing the confidence of the people of the region to the programme. He commended High Chief Ateke Tom and others for heeding his call.

Since his decision to accept the amnesty initiative, High Chief Ateke has in his words and actions shown that his acceptance of amnesty was not borne out of pecuniary motive rather out of a sincere and patriotic zeal towards ensuring that the country moves in the right direction.

I was privileged to witness the October 1^st annual celebration in Okrika town where Ateke hosted a kaleidoscope of Nigerian artistes, actors and actresses in what has become a major entertainment event in the country.

This event which has become an annual event organized by this man whom many consider a philanthropist and mobiliser in the region to a large extent, showed how far he has accepted amnesty and is willing to sustain it. While other freedom fighters rained fire and brimstone as a result of the loss of ex-President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Ateke Tom used the opportunity of the October 1^st celebrations in Okrika to preach the message of peace in the region and the country. He also went to the extent of giving out peace awards to his erstwhile detractors who have changed their stance.

That Ateke organized the October 1^st gig was not the issue but the issue was that a man who was so vilified and blackmailed as a terrorist by those who dislike him could take a stance at forgiving those who worked against him and also work towards the unity of a country that has come under attack by separatists and political sentimentalists shows the maturity of mind of this Niger Delta son.

In Okrika and the Niger Delta region, Ateke Tom is considered a hero and great leader to many. He attests to his leadership role when he spoke with some of us after the event. In his words “I have always been a leader and the people know this. My kindness and disposition to them is widely acclaimed this is why when I speak they listen”. That they listen alone might be considered an understatement. They do listen and act. This I discovered while in Okrika and the Niger Delta.

Despite his power and fledging followership, he has not allowed it to get into his head. He has unlike other freedom fighters shown strong sense of humility and love to his followers and country this is why he has continued to gather the support of stakeholders who wish the country the best. His recent interview which he called for support for the President despite the war mongering posture of his ex-freedom fighters colleagues is commendable this is why he will continue remaining relevant to the country.

As Nigerians celebrate the yuletide season, the people of Okrika his home town will always feel his warmth as he has prepared to make it worthwhile for them through the football fiesta which is ongoing and other activities he has lined up. The lion of the Niger Delta will in his characteristic style ensure that the area bubbles and the tourism potentials which he is gradually building will become the greatest beneficiary at the long run.

Wishing this Lion of the Niger Delta all the best in this yuletide season.