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Wike: Making Ateke Tom King Has Brought Peace As He Bags Chieftain Title

Published

4 years ago

November 27, 2021

Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, says the making of Ex-Militant Leader, Ateke Tom, as King over Okochiri Kingdom under his administration has strengthened peace in that domain and Okrika Local Government Area at large.

Wike noted this Saturday at Okochiri during fourth coronation anniversary of King Ateke Michael Tom as Amayanabo of Okochiri and dedication of his new palace where the monarch conferred on the Governor, the chieftaincy title, ‘Se Taribo 1st of Okochiri kingdom’ (A man who has love for his people).

He said, “The recognition of Ateke Tom by government as Amayanabo of Okochiri has brought peace in this domain, and the people are happy with his leadership. That is why today you can see there is peace that reigns within Okochiri, and to greater extent, entire Okrika.”

The governor told the mocarch, “It is one thing to be traditional ruler, it is another thing to live up to expectation. You have kept your kingdom as one, in peace, you have kept your kingdom united, and that is what is expected of a traditional ruler.

“You’re not just a traditional ruler to confer chieftaincy titles on us, but also a traditional ruler to help government maintain peace in your domain. Governance without peace, governance without security is no governance. Governance is predicated on protection of life and property.”

Wike, noted that the massive turn out of people from all walks of life to grace the coronation anniversary was a demonstration of their appreciation of his leadership, adding that without traditional rulers’ support, no government can achieve peace.

“Ateke Tom has brought peace. Don’t see him as Ateke Tom that fought for the Niger Delta, see him as Ateke Tom, the traditional ruler, the Amayanabo of Okochiri kingdom, whose traditional duty is to make sure peace reigns in his domain”, he emphasised.

Towards 2023 transition, Wike appealed, “Only God is holding us today. Things are very difficult day by day. The government at the national level has failed us, and therefore it’s time for Nigerians to rally round to make sure we have a government that will take care of our people.”

Former Minister of Transport, Dr. Abiye Sekibo said the recognition of the ancient Okochiri kingdom stool by Governor Wike has brought peace , joy and development to the entire Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Headline

Israeli Strike Kills Al Jazeera Journalist In Gaza

Published

5 minutes ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

Al Jazeera on Monday said one of its journalists was killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza, two weeks after the broadcaster lost six staff and freelancers in an attack.

Mohammad Salama, a photojournalist and cameraman, was killed in an attack on a medical complex that left 14 people dead, the Qatar-based news network said.

His death was “confirmed,” a spokesperson told AFP.

Earlier this month, four Al Jazeera staff and two freelancers were killed in an Israeli air strike outside Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, prompting widespread condemnation.

Mahmud Bassal, Gaza’s Civil Defence spokesman, also said the death toll in the latest attack stood at 14, including journalists.

An Israeli explosive drone targeted a building at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, followed by an airstrike as the wounded were being evacuated, Bassal said.

AFP

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42 Killed In Israeli Attacks, Says Gaza’s Civil Defense

Published

15 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Gaza’s civil defence agency reported at least 42 people killed in Israeli attacks on Sunday, as the Israeli army prepared for a new assault on the Palestinian territory’s largest city.

Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal said there had been several air strikes around Gaza City — which the military is gearing up to capture — including one in the Al-Sabra neighbourhood that killed eight people.

Attacks were also reported elsewhere across the territory, he said, with the “total tally currently rising to 42 dead”.

The army did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the figure.

“The situation is extremely dangerous… Each day, each minute, there are bombings, martyrs, death and blood — we can’t take it anymore,” Al-Sabra resident Ibrahim Al-Shurafa told AFP, explaining strikes and shelling were ongoing.

“We don’t know where to go. Death follows us everywhere,” he added.

Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties in accessing many areas mean AFP is unable to independently verify the tolls and details provided by the civil defence agency or the Israeli military.

The October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel that sparked the war resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.

Israel’s offensive has killed at least 62,686 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza that the United Nations considers reliable.

AFP

Headline

Venezuela Frees Eight Opposition Leaders

Published

15 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Venezuelan authorities released eight opposition leaders from jail early Sunday, including a former congressman and two Italian citizens, and granted house arrest to five others, an opposition politician said.

Most of those released had been charged with corruption in opposition-run mayoral offices.

Also set free was Congressman, Amirico de Grazia, detained amid protests that erupted during President Nicolas Maduro’s reelection in 2024.

“Today, several families are once again embracing their loved ones. We know there are many left, and we have not forgotten them; we continue to fight for everyone,” two-time former presidential candidate Henrique Capriles said on X.

Opposition leaders Victor Jurado, Simon Vargas, Arelis Ojeda Escalante, Mayra Castro, Diana Berrio, Gorka Carnevalli, as well as Italian nationals Margarita Assenzo and de Grazia were released, Capriles said.

Nabil Maalouf, Valentin Gutierrez Pineda, Rafael Ramirez, Pedro Guanipa, and David Barroso were placed under house arrest.

The Italian government confirmed the release of de Grazia and Assenzo, who must appear in court to clarify the conditions of their release. It also vowed to continue working on securing the release of other detained Italians.

“We have always said, and we maintain it: we will talk to whomever we need to talk to so that there is not a single political prisoner in our Venezuela!” Capriles added.

AFP