Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed delight that the Amanyanabo of Okochiri kingdom, King Ateke Tom remains of his strongest allies amidst the political crisis that almost cut his government short.
This is as the Governor declared that nothing less than resounding success will be reckoned with his administration in the provision of social services, critical projects, and sustenance of peace across the State.
Governor Fubara made the declaration at the thanksgiving reception organised by King Ateke Michael Tom, to celebrate his 60th birthday, which held at his residence in Okochiri Town, Okrika Local Government Area on Sunday evening.
King Ateke Tom also organised the event to thank God for the elevation of his traditional stool from second class to first class status and the conferment of honour by the Okrika people on him as the Ama Poku (spokesman) of Kirike Se.
Governor Fubara reiterated that the worse is over with the political crisis that confronted governance in the State, adding that the government was now working assiduously to deliver quality services and signature infrastructure projects in line with his administration's 'people first' mantra.
"I identify with you, King Ateke Tom, and I want to appreciate you for standing with us. Like I had said, the worst is over concerning the political crisis. What we are doing today is moving forward and advancing our State. And I am happy that you are one of my allies.
"I assure you the only thing that will be associated with our administration is success, success and more success," he said.
Governor Fubara noted with delight that King Ateke Tom is not merely celebrating with drinks and foods distributed to friends but has actually included God in the event with an expression of gratitude to Him for the blessings bestowed on him.
The Governor stated how in contemporary times, life expectancy continues to reduce because of lifestyle changes and other exposures like effect of modern technology, which makes attaining 60 a lofty feat.
"We as a government, it is our duty to make sure that we support our own, more especially when you are contributing to peace and development of our State.
"When one marks 40, we say thank God. Somebody has marked 50, and by the special grace of God, King Ateke Tom is celebrating 60. So, I want to thank God for his life because it is only possible through God."
Governor Fubara said looking at the life and time of King Ateke Tom, one will understand that death had moved around him, and it therefore, is a miracle for him to have lived this long.
He stressed that it must have been possible for to have come this far by God's providence, adding that it is only for that reason that it is worth celebrating.
"So, I am happy to tell you that we will continue to stand by you. Let me thank everyone that is here who has come to celebrate with our brother.
"Thank you for coming to support him. I know that as a man, nobody is perfect, but in his own little way, he tries as much as he can, to make peace his major gift to the people of Okrika. I know and I don't need to be told how much he spends to make sure he makes people happy," the Governor clarified.
Governor Fubara, who wished King Ateke Tom more glorious years on the throne, urged him to continue to promote peace and development not only in Okochiri Kingdom but in the entire Okrika land.
"I am happy to identify with our brother. He is celebrating three things. Firstly, his birthday; secondly, the special honour by the great people of Okrika and Okochiri; and thirdly, the one that they said I did. I didn't do it as a person, it is the Office of the Governor that honoured him," he emphasised.
He said that it only takes a unique character and quintessential individual to celebrate such triple gifts of God at the same time, and wished him well in all his endeavours.
In his welcome address, former Minister of Transport and chairman of the occasion, Chief Abiye Sekibo, said the reception is auspicious for them because a revered son and king is being celebrated.
He said the three-fold celebration, is a show of gratitude to God for the life of King Ateke Tom, enabling him to attain 60th birthday, in addition to the conferment of honour on him by the Okrika people as the spokesman of Kirike Se worldwide and the elevation of Okochiri traditional stool to a first class by the State Government.
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Chief Sekibo, who expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for his presence, said as one of them, Okrika people are resolved to sustain support for the Governor to ensure that he succeeds in government.
In his goodwill message, Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, noted that God has blessed King Ateke Tom so much so that within just one year of Governor Fubara's administration, he has garnered three distinct blessings.
He said, as friends, they are happy with him for the feats achieved, which revolve around his quiet philanthropic nature, capacity to bring people together, and lots of wisdom exhibited in administering his kingdom.
King Jaja recalled the strength of courage and purpose which made him stand up in defence of the Niger Delta region to demand for justice and equity in the exploration and distribution of the accruing benefits of inherent resources, adding that today, the region has got a measure of respect that it deserved.
He charged him to continue to do more for the people, as according to him, the people of Niger Delta still need his guidance and direction to achieve greater heights.
