Ateke Tom, one of the founding fathers of MEND, has decided to advice Muhammadu Buhari on the way he expects the Niger Delta people to be treated once he assumes power.
One of the former MEND Generals. Ateke Tom, has dished out a sort of advice to the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari on Militancy in the Niger Delta and pipeline contracts which were awarded to former militants.
Speaking to VANGUARD, Ateke said: -
''I expect him to lead the country on the right path, provide quality leadership. And I am sure the President Elect will make positive impact. I am sure he knows what to do, he knows what the country expect from him. He should give all Nigerians opportunity to contribute meaningfully to his government.
''Let me just add that the Niger Delta still needs serious attention. He should develop the region. Later, we will tell him some of the things we expect him to give special attention to. I don’t see militancy coming back again in the region. Niger Delta will be very peaceful than what it was under President Jonathan.
''Well I want to say that nobody will go back to the creeks. Anybody who does that has no reason for that and should be treated as a common criminal. We don’t have any reason to resume militancy in the region. So there will be peace.
''My advice to the President elect, General Buhari is that he should not cancel it when he formerly assumes office. Those who got the job are taking care of the pipelines and are doing the job commendably. If he cancels it I don’t see who else can do it better. We hail from these places where the pipelines run through and so are very familiar with the terrain. He should allow us continue to render this service to the country.