Rivers Election: Former Militant Leader, Ateke Tom Turns Preacher

An ex-militant leader in Rivers State, Chief Ateke Tom, has called on the security agencies to be very thorough in their responsibilities so that criminals would have no hiding place in the state in the December 10 re-run elections in some parts of the state.

Tom made the call in Port Harcourt on Monday while fielding questions from newsmen about the upcoming election. He said that peace remained crucial for a successful re-run elections in the state and subsequently enjoined people of the state to be peaceful during the election.

The ex-militant leader also preached that it is undemocratic for political parties to promote issues capable of igniting crisis, emphasising that “politics should not be a do or die affair”. His words:

“Parties should be free to hold their campaigns anywhere in the state without fear or favour. I am ready to support the holding of party campaigns even in my bedroom, in my village too, every party is welcome.”

What if Ateke Tom actually turns Pastor someday? grin