Posted by By HENRY CHUKWURAH, Port Harcourt on
Dreaded and wanted Niger Delta warlord, Ateke Tom, says he has called it quits with violence even as he accused government forces of tempting him to have a re-think.
Dreaded and wanted Niger Delta warlord, Ateke Tom, says he has called it quits with violence even as he accused government forces of tempting him to have a re-think.
The Niger Delta vigilante leader, in a telephone interview with Daily Sun, confirmed that he now waves the olive branch as a member of the Onenga Erekosima-led Niger Delta Non-Violent Movement.
'We no get time for problem again. We believe that man (Erekosima) and we don talk with am," he said.
Ateke Tom told Daily Sun that although government's forces have continued their attack on his group, he has resisted the temptation to retaliate.
'Even last Monday, they attacked one of my boys' boat in Rivers State. The boy ran into Mangrove and escaped.
'But we go still dey watch them. E be like they no want peace. but we go still dey watch, make we see wetin they want do."
The local militia leader, who was linked with New Year's day early morning attack on some police stations in which some policemen died, said he has moved to the side of peace and would want to be left alone.
Asked whether he has cried out to the Presidency on the alleged attacks on his men, Ateke said there were some unidentified persons who are in touch with the authorities on the matter.
He urged the President to wade into the matter before it is too late.
'People dey wey dey talk to the President and we dey wait.
'I want make he look into it. They know how the whole thing start."
He advised the Presidency to dialogue with the leadership of the Niger Delta Non-Violent Movement because the group already enjoys the confidence of militants in the region.