Legislators Must Work In Harmony With The Executive For The Good Of The Country- High Chief Ateke Tom

High Chief Ateke Tom popularly called Godfather by his faithful supporters can best be described as a militant leader with a difference.  He is the leader of the Niger Delta Vigilante Force. Since his decision to embrace amnesty under the late Umar Yaradua administration, he has since been involved in projects that promote national unity in the country. His October 1^st Independence Day celebration has been rated a top entertainment show in the country with entertainers from all over the country gracing the event always. In this interview with our reporter, this ex-freedom fighter speaks on some issues of national interest including the need to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in order for him to deliver on his electoral promises.

Excerpts.

Your Home town of Okrika has become relatively peaceful. What role have you played in bringing about the peace in Okrika Town?

As you can see, Okrika has become one of the most peaceful towns in Rivers state and the Niger region. This peace has been brought about by the decision of all stakeholders to join hands with me towards ensuring that violence does not erupt in any part of the town again. On my part, I have engaged myself in various projects and activities aimed at promoting good neighbourliness and peaceful coexistence. I have engaged in empowerment programmes for the youths and female folks, sensitization programmes against all forms of violence including kidnapping, cultism, drug abuse and so on. I also try to promote the tourism potentials of my area through various shows and concerts I organize. They have all been peaceful and have proved to be successful in many ways. I do believe sincerely that with all these efforts and others I will be engaging in the coming days, Okrika will be a pride for peaceful relations in the country as a whole.

There has been some level of disagreements between the executive arm of government and the legislative arm since the present administration came into place. What advice do you have for them?

In my opinion, the slow start which the President has been accused of by some sections of Nigerians is as a result of lack of the understanding between the executive arm of government and the legislative arm. The legislators must understand that the country can make reasonable progress if there is synergy between them and the executive devoid of party politics. The President promised the people change and such change cannot be achieved if there is no understanding between the two arms of government. I keep stressing that there is no president in this country that does not want the progress of this country. Goodluck Jonathan and others that have presided over the affairs of this country before now, all wish the best for the country. The only problem our leaders have faced is mostly from some persons who always want to manipulate people and institutions in order to achieve their inordinate ambitions. We must learn to identify such persons and expose their antics so as to move this country forward. President Buhari at this point of our socio political development must be given the necessary support and not distracted so he can give the best for the country. Those at the National Assembly should be the ones leading the support and not the ones leading the distractions against him. I am not saying that they should not carry out their legislative functions but they must do it with decorum and with the progress and development of the country at heart always.

You have consistently organized the October 1^st Concert in your native Okrika town which has drawn a lot of artistes to your town. What has been your motivation for this?

I love my country so much and want to give a lot to it. October 1^st is the day we got our independence from the British colonial masters and nothing can bring  about unity and oneness in the country if not by promoting the greatness of our country. This is the main motivation for me in organizing the concert all these while. Secondly you will recollect that this was the day the late President Umar Musa Yaradua granted me and my followers amnesty. It is imperative that we celebrate such a day also. I also want to implore other Nigerians especially ex agitators to follow my lead and engage in activities that will promote the unity of this country rather than engage in divisive tendencies. When we travel abroad you notice that they have some form of regard for Nigeria as a country. The only problem we have is that Nigerians fail to appreciate that God has put us all together for a purpose. We must all work hard to keep the country one and make it attractive even for those outside the country. This is the least we can do as patriotic Nigerians.

Bayelsans will soon go to the polls to elect their governor.  As an Ijaw man, what is your advice to all the stakeholders involved?

My advice to all the stakeholders is that they preach peace to their supporters. Violence will never be the best option in this case. If at the end of the day people are killed or maimed, who will they govern? Is it animals or forests?  The people of Bayelsa which is the core Ijaw state in the country must show others that they can organize the best election in the country which at the end of the day will become a reference point in the annals of the nation’s electoral history. This is my expectation and I sincerely have the conviction that it will be achieved.

Thanks for giving us your time.

You are welcome always.