Govt Does Not Hate Ateke – SSG

Leader of the Niger Delta Vigilante Force (NDVF), Ateke Tom (centre) speaking during his surrender of weapons at Port Harcourt Tourist Beach, Saturday.

Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Hon Magnus Abe has said that the government of Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi does not hate the leader of the Niger Delta Vigilante Force (NDVF), Ateke Tom as a person  but hates his lifestyle.

Hon Abe said this Saturday during the arms surrender exercise by Mr Ateke Tom and others at the Port Harcourt Tourist Beach.

The Secretary to the State Government who stood in for the Governor at the occasion said that with the  arms surrender by the militants leaders the government will now fast track the pace of development of the state.

He thanked Ateke Tom and his boys for  ensuring success of the exercise, stressing that it shows their readiness to work with the government for enthronement of lasting peace in the state.

Ateke Tom, in his speech praised President Yar’Adua for his sincerity towards development of the Niger Delta and expressed the hope that the president will keep to his promise.

According to him, the Niger Delta needs drinking water, good roads, health and educational institution.