Former Rivers State governor, Dr. Peter Odili, and the erstwhile Minister of Transport, Dr Abiye Sekibo, have been named as sponsors of the cult group led by Mr. Tom Ateke which has been responsible for killings and hostage-taking in Rivers State.
This allegation was contained in an affidavit filed by the state government at the Rivers State High Court in Suit No. PHE/75/2008 CR last week against the traditional ruler of Konuji Okrika, Captain Nemi Iyalla Oputibeya X and two others, for allegedly sponsoring Ateke and cult activities contrary to the laws of Rivers State.
However, Odili emphatically denied the allegation in a telephone interview with THISDAY last night, saying he was hearing that for the first time.
Oputibeya X, who is the first accused person in the suit, alleged in his statement that prior to 1999, Ateke had been banished from the community over his unwholesome activities, but was later brought back to the town by the duo of Odili and Sekibo in collaboration with the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with a view to securing his assistance in winning the election in the state.
In his confessional statement which was made available to THISDAY, he claimed that Ateke wielded much influence during his installation as the Amanayabo of Konuji Okrika in 2001 to such an extent that he virtually took over the control of the community.
He claimed that the influence of Ateke was so great that even he as a traditional ruler was left without options but to be loyal to him. He also alleged that since Ateke was the hatchet man for powerful people such as Odili and Sekibo, he could not summon courage to report him as well as his activities.
His words: �As the Amayanabo of Koniju, I have not made an official report to the authority on the activities of Ateke because I believe that the authority is aware of his activities. He works with Odili, Abiye Sekibo, Alaye Eremie, Amange Sunday, Praty chairman, PDP Okrika, Chief Dr. Sekibo. So, I am afraid to report.�
Explaining how Ateke returned to the community, the traditional ruler said: �Thereafter, in 1999, Ateke was brought in by the Peoples Democratic Party through Abiye Sekibo (Dr.) and Peter Odili (Dr.) etc. to assist the party win election in Okrika and Rivers State.�
He disclosed further that Ateke was responsible for the abduction of 11 Bulgarians working with Daewoo early last year.
A prosecution witness in the suit, Mr. Gabriel Obom, revealed how Ateke allegedly terrorised the community and how the Amayanabo of Okoniji Okrika was his main backer in all the atrocities he allegedly committed adding that �he (Oputibeya X) uses his position and under the cover and protection of Ateke Tom to intimidate people.�
He also alleged that the traditional ruler colluded with Ateke in hostage-taking and the demand for millions of naira as ransom from their victims.
�For instance, when Ateke held 13 foreigners of Indorama Company, he demanded for the sum of N350,000,000.00, the King Nemi T. Iyalla Oputibeya inflated it to N500,000,000.00 and took N150,000,000.00 to himself,� Obom alleged.
He also revealed how Ateke with the firm knowledge of Oputibeya buried no fewer than five innocent people alive on July 7, 2004, explaining that he narrowly escaped being killed having witnessed the incident.
He also remarked that after the pleas from the monarch, he was spared, but with staunch warning that he must not disclose the evil deeds to anybody.
Meanwhile, Odili told THISDAY last night: “My response to you is that it is not true. You know that people can fabricate things. I have my serious doubts that such an alleged confessional statement was ever made by anybody. You know that my enemies have been chasing me all around.”
Jan282008