Ateke Tom has evoked strong emotions across the political and traditional spectrum since he rose to nationwide prominence as a Niger Delta militant.

Interestingly, over the past decade or more, there has been an inversion of people’s opinions regarding him. Those in the corridors of power, see him as a threat to their control of natural resources, others see him as a born leader, with the sole assignment to protect the Niger Delta people.


Background

Ateke Tom was born on the 2nd day of June, 1964. The former militant turned billionaire philanthropist hails from Okrika, an Ijaw Ethnic group in Rivers State. He is the leader of the Niger Delta Vigilante, an ethnic Ijaw militia group in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria which champions for resource control, devaluation of powers and fiscal federalism to the state as federating unit in Nigeria.

Conflict in the Niger Delta

The current conflict in the Niger Delta first arose in the early 1990s over tensions between foreign oil corporations and a number of the Niger Delta’s minority ethnic groups who feel they are being exploited, particularly the Ogoni and the Ijaw.

Ethnic and political unrest has continued throughout the 1990s despite the conversion to democracy and the election of the Obasanjo government in 1999.


Competition for oil wealth has fueled violence between ethnic groups, causing the militarization of nearly the entire region by ethnic militia groups, Nigerian military and police forces, notably the Nigerian Mobile Police. The violence contributed to Nigeria’s energy supply crisis during that dark period.

Niger Delta Militancy

Ateke and other Niger Delta guerrilla fighters led the agitation against the Nigerian government and different international oil companies over the exploitation and oppression of his people as well as the devastation and degradation of their environment caused by unchecked pollution through improper oil production methods.

During that time, Ateke and other warlords began to notice the unethical sidelining of his people from the gains accrued from the production of oil which was drilled from his own community. This prompted him to form his own Niger Delta resistance group.

In 1999, he started his vigilance group which later became a large group that is being patronized now by the powers that be. There was an emergence of a cult group that was involved in stealing, robbery and brigandage in his hometown, Okrika Port-Harcourt. Ateke’s group started fighting them and stopping them from their obnoxious activities which attracted government attention. It was from this point, Ateke started working for politicians during elections.


Emergence of armed groups in Niger Delta

Prior to 2003, the epicenter of regional violence was Warri. However, after the violent convergence of the largest military groups in the region, the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force (NDPVF) led by Mujahid Dokubo-Asari and the Niger Delta Vigilantes (NDV) led by Ateke Tom (both of which are primarily made up of Ijaws), conflict became focused on Port Harcourt and outlying towns. The two groups dwarf a plethora of smaller militias, supposedly numbering more than one hundred. The Nigerian government classifies these groups as “cults”, but many began as local university fraternities. The groups have adopted names largely based on Western culture, some of which include Icelanders, Greenlanders, KKK, and Vultures. All of the groups are constituted mostly by disaffected young men from Warri, Port Harcourt, and their suburban areas. Although the smaller groups are autonomous, they have formed alliances with and are largely controlled from above by either Asari and his NDPDF or Tom’s NDV, who provide military support and instruction.

The NDPVF was founded by Asari, a former president of the Ijaw Youth Council, in 2003 after he “retreated into the bush” to form the group with the explicit goal of acquiring control of regional petroleum resources. The NDPFV attempted to control such resources primarily through oil “bunkering”, a process in which an oil pipeline is tapped and the oil extracted onto a barge. Oil corporations and the Nigerian state point out that bunkering is illegal; militants justify bunkering, saying they are being exploited and have not received adequate profits from the profitable but ecologically destructive oil industry. Bunkered oil can be sold for profit, usually to destinations in West Africa, but also abroad. Bunkering is a fairly common practice in the Delta but in this case the militia groups are the primary perpetrators.

The intense confrontation between the NDPVF and NDV seems to have been brought about by Asari’s political falling out with the NDPVF’s financial supporter Peter Odili, governor of Rivers State following the April 2003 local and state elections. After Asari publicly criticized the election process as fraudulent, the Odili government withdrew its financial support from the NDPVF and began to support Tom’s NDV, effectively launching a paramilitary campaign against the NDPVF.

Subsequent violence occurred chiefly in riverine villages southeast and southwest of Port Harcourt, with the two groups fighting for control of bunkering routes. The conflagrations spurred violent acts against the local population, resulting in numerous deaths and widespread displacement. Daily civilian life was disrupted, forcing schools and economic activity to shut down, widespread property destruction resulted.

The state campaign against the NDPVF emboldened Asari who began publicly articulating populist, anti-government views and attempted to frame the conflict in terms of pan-Ijaw nationalism and “self-determination.” Consequently, the state government escalated the campaign against him by bringing in police, army, and navy forces that began occupying Port Harcourt in June 2004.

The government forces collaborated with the NDV during the summer, and were seen protecting NDV militiamen from attacks by the NDPVF. The state forces failed to protect the civilian population from the violence and actually increased the destruction of citizens’ livelihood. The Nigerian state forces were widely reported to have used the conflict as an excuse to raid homes, claiming that innocent civilians were cahoots with the NDPVF. Government soldiers and police obtained and destroyed civilian property by force. The NDPVF also accused the military of conducting air bombing campaigns against several villages, effectively reducing them to rubble, because they were believed to be housing NDPVF soldiers. The military denies this, claiming they engaged in aerial warfare only once in a genuine effort to wipe out an NDPVF stronghold.

Innocent civilians were also killed by NDPVF forces firing indiscriminately in order to engage their opponents. At the end of August 2004 there were several particularly brutal battles over the Port Harcourt waterfront; some residential slums were completely destroyed after the NDPVF deliberately burned down buildings. By September 2004, the situation was rapidly approaching a violent climax which caught the attention of the international community.

Amnesty

In August 2007 following days of gun fights between various militia groups and security forces in Port Harcourt, Ateke Tom wrote to the Governor, Celestine Omehia, requesting for amnesty in response to an offer of clemency and rehabilitation the government had offered to militia who surrendered.


On 1 October 2009, the 49th anniversary of Nigerian independence and three days before the closing of a government amnesty program, Tom willingly surrendered to President Musa Yaradua at the Government House, Abuja.

Image result for Ateke Tom, yar'adua
The presidential jet was sent to fly Tom to Abuja, and the President stated that “Today, Chief Tom Ateke you have given me my 49th independence anniversary gift and I cherish it so much.”

From The Creek To The Palace

The widely notorious militant leader who surrendered during the amnesty period of President Yaradua in 2009 and was granted clemency, has created a new path for himself by becoming a King in his hometown of Okochiri in Okirika LGA. He was unanimously handpicked by the villagers who respect and cherish his act of philanthropy and leadership qualities to become their next king. According to investigation, the ex-militant was allegedly reluctant taking up the position at first, but for the intervention of the town chiefs and some of his bosom friends who convinced him otherwise.

In 2007, the former Lord of the creeks was crowned Amanyanabo of Okochiri town in Wakirike , Rivers state. The coronation was marked by traditional dances, traditional rites and musical displays. Thousands of Okrika people witnessed the event. Governor Nyesom Wike was among personalities at the event held in Okochiri, Okrika Local government area.


Ateke Net Worth

It is unclear exactly what Ateke’s net worth is, however, it is said to be in billions of naira. This can be calculated from the millions he received from the government through the amnesty program as well as his other business ventures. Having been a close friend of President Goodluck Jonathan and coming from the same area as his wife, Patience Jonathan, Ateke received several multi-milliom naira contracts during their tenure.

Ateke’s wealth can also be seen from his real estate investment, which runs into billions of naira.

Philanthropy

Chief Ateke Tom is a loving and kind hearted Nigerian, widely known for his philanthropy beyond borders. Yearly, he doles out millions of naira paying school fees for students in various universities via his scholarship Scheme.

The International Football Association Board have approved a number of adjustments to the current Laws of the Game

Another Premier League season full of thrills and spills has come to an end - but not without controversy.

With every week of results comes another set of decisions left to be debated.


Should this have been given? What was the ref thinking there? Surely that was a penalty?!

One thing all Premier League clubs and their fans will be pleased to know, is that the IFAB (International Football Association Board) have now approved several changes to the Laws of the Game ahead of next season.

With any luck these should tighten up the games grey areas to leave us nodding in agreement more so than crying in disbelief.

Here's what will change for the start of the 2019-20 campaign...


Referees have a number of rule changes to get their heads round
Handballs

Hands down, lads...
From next season, if the ball hits an attackers arm in the build-up to a goal - be it accidental or otherwise - the goal will be disallowed.

Hardly rocket science, but it should help avoid any Fernando Llorente-style discussions going forward.

In addition, defending teams will be awarded a free-kick if an inadvertent handball creates an advantage for the opposing team.

Drop balls

Injuries are one of the primary causes that result in a drop ball
Old fashioned drop balls are a thing of the past, with the process of sending the ball back to the last team in possession now the due procedure.

However IFAB have a gripe about their current 'manufactured' nature.

"The current dropped ball procedure often leads to a ‘manufactured’ restart which is ‘exploited’ unfairly or an aggressive confrontation," the IFAB explained.

"Returning the ball to the team that last played it restores what was ‘lost’ when play was stopped, except in the penalty area where it is simpler to return the ball to the goalkeeper.

"To prevent that team gaining an unfair advantage, all players of both teams, except the player receiving the ball, must be at least 4m (4.5 yds) away."

Substitutions

Players no longer have to leave the pitch at a designated point when substituted
This is an interesting one.

From next season onwards, whenever a player is substituted, they no longer have to leave the field near to the dugouts.

Instead they must leave the field at the nearest point, thus avoiding any pesky time-wasters who stroll off nonchalantly late on.

How long will it be until someone doesn't pay attention and passes the ball to their teammate walking round the pitch perimeter though is another question.

Free kicks

Attackers are not allowed to stand in the opposing teams wall at free kicks from next season
Attackers are no longer allowed in the wall at free kicks.

The wall does have to contain at least three players however, at which point all attackers must be at least a metre away.

IFAB hold pretty strong views on this one.

"There is no legitimate tactical justification for attackers to be in the ‘wall’ and their presence is against the ‘spirit of the game’ and often damages the image of the game," an IFAB statement explained.

Penalty kicks

Keepers will have to keep one foot on the line at penalty kicks
The goalkeepers staying on the line at penalties rule is one that very rarely seems to be enforced fully.

However IFAB are now stating that from next season keepers must have one foot on the line.

Not only that, but they are also forbidden from touching the posts before the kick.

In other words - less of the mind games.

Cards for coaches

Managers and coaches will be subject to the same punishments as players
And finally a welcome addition to the rule changes will now see coaches dealt the same punishment as players, with referees allowed to brandish yellow and red cards to managers and backroom staff.

Perhaps we will see less coaches sent to the stands. Or an increase in cards dished out.

Either way there will now be a naughty list for managers.

Shame Jose's no longer about, eh?

Ronaldo cuts a casual figure in white shirt and green shorts as he enjoys romantic holiday to Spanish island with model girlfriend Celina Locks
He made a name for himself as one of the world’s most greatest footballers, hailed by fans as ‘the phenomenon’.

And Brazil legend Ronaldo soaked up the sun on a well-earned holiday with his model girlfriend Celina Locks on the Spanish island of Formentera on Monday.


The former footballer, 42, cut a casual figure as he and his other half relaxed by the beach, donning a white shirt with black and green patterned shorts.

Holiday: Brazil legend Ronaldo, 42, soaked up the sun on a well-earned holiday with his girlfriend Celina Locks on the Spanish island of Formentera on Monday
Holiday: Brazil legend Ronaldo, 42, soaked up the sun on a well-earned holiday with his girlfriend Celina Locks on the Spanish island of Formentera on Monday
Also sporting a pair of shades, Ronaldo kicked back and relaxed as the couple enjoyed their time abroad.

Celina, who has affiliations with modeling agencies Ford Models, Women Paris, and Independent Milan, cut a casual figure in a beige over-sized shirt and a pair of striped shorts.

Styling her blonde locks into an updo, she also wore a pair of shades and completed her look with a handbag and flip flops.

Celina and Ronaldo are believed to have started dating in early 2015, with the model occasionally sharing snaps of the couple together on her social media.

Casual: The former footballer cut a casual figure as he and his other half relaxed by the beach, donning a white shirt with black and green patterned shorts
Casual: The former footballer cut a casual figure as he and his other half relaxed by the beach, donning a white shirt with black and green patterned shorts
Style: Celina cut a casual figure in a beige over-sized shirt and a pair of striped shorts
Style: Celina cut a casual figure in a beige over-sized shirt and a pair of striped shorts
Chill: Also sporting a pair of shades, Ronaldo kicked back and relaxed as the couple enjoyed their time abroad
Chill: Also sporting a pair of shades, Ronaldo kicked back and relaxed as the couple enjoyed their time abroad
Career: Ronaldo made a name for himself as one of the world¿s most greatest footballers, hailed by fans as ¿the phenomenon¿
Career: Ronaldo made a name for himself as one of the world¿s most greatest footballers, hailed by fans as ¿the phenomenon¿
Widely regarded as one of the most prolific strikers on the planet during his playing career, Brazilian Ronaldo formally retired from professional football in 2011 after an illustrious playing career.

Ronaldo, who has been been titled with FIFA world player of the year three times, previously about future plans on making a comeback to sport.

He said: 'That is not easy because I love to play, I love soccer, that was all my life my big love. When I retired, I stopped playing because of my body, so much pain and injuries.

'To play a soccer game you have to be in very good shape. I will try for myself, it's another challenge, I am sure it will help the league, help the team.

'I will train a lot, and if the (coach) needs me, maybe.'

Ensemble: Styling her blonde locks into an updo, Celina also wore a pair of shades and completed her look with a handbag
Ensemble: Styling her blonde locks into an updo, Celina also wore a pair of shades and completed her look with a handbag
Ronaldo said: 'I love soccer, that was all my life my big love. When I retired, I stopped playing because of my body, so much pain and injuries'
Ronaldo said: 'I love soccer, that was all my life my big love. When I retired, I stopped playing because of my body, so much pain and injuries'

The Economic And Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has slammed artiste, Naira Marley with an 11 Count charge which borders around Cybercrime and fraud. We have the full list of the 11 count charges against Naira Marley.

full list of efcc charges against naira marley - lailasnews

The case was filed at the Federal High Court has suit number FHC/L/178c/19 and he is set to be arraigned in a court on Monday. Naira Marley with real name Afeez Adeshina Fashola’s charges are;

Count One: “That you, Azeez Adeshina Fashola, aka Naira Marley and Yad Isril (still at large) on or about the 26th day of November 2018, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired among yourselves to use access card No. 5264711020433662 issued to persons other than you in a bid to obtain gain and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 27 (1) (b) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention, ETC) Act, 2015 and punishable under section 32 of the same act.

Count Two reads: “That you, Azeez Adeshina Fashola, aka Naira Marley and Yad Isril (still at large) on or about the 26th day of November 2018, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court attempted to use card No. 5264711020433662 issued to persons other than you in a bid to obtain gain and you thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 27 (1) (b) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention, ETC) Act, 2015 and punishable under section 32 of the same act.


Zlatan Ibile released by EFCC, Naira Marley left behind

Count three says: “That you, Azeez Adeshina Fashola, aka Naira Marley and Raze (still at large) on or about the 26th day of November 2018, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired among yourselves to use access card No. 42658840359191132 issued to persons other than you in a bid to obtain gain and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 27 (1) (b) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention, ETC) Act, 2015 and punishable under section 32 of the same act.

Count Four reads: “That you, Azeez Adeshina Fashola, aka Naira Marley and Raze (still at large) on or about the 11th day of December 2018, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court attempted to use card access No. conspired among yourselves to use access card No. 42658840359191132 issued to persons other than you in a bid to obtain gain and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 27 (1) (b) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention, ETC) Act, 2015 and punishable under section 32 of the same act.

Count Five reads: “That you, Azeez Adeshina Fashola, aka Naira Marley on or about the 10th day of May 2019, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with an intent to defraud, possessed counterfeit card with No. 42658840359191132 issued to another person and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 33 (9) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention, ETC) Act, 2015.

Count Six: “That you, Azeez Adeshina Fashola, aka Naira Marley on or about the 10th day of May 2019, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with an intent to defraud, possessed counterfeit card with No. 5264711020433662 issued to another person and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 33 (9) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention, ETC) Act, 2015.

Count Seven: “That you, Azeez Adeshina Fashola, aka Naira Marley on or about the 10th day of May 2019, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with an intent to defraud, possessed counterfeit card with No. 5573793034017422 issued to another person and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 33 (9) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention, ETC) Act, 2015.

Count Eight: “That you, Azeez Adeshina Fashola, aka Naira Marley on or about the 10th day of May 2019, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with an intent to defraud, possessed counterfeit card with No. 4539782440624281 issued to Nicole Louise Malyon and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 33 (9) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention, ETC) Act, 2015.

Count Nine: “That you, Azeez Adeshina Fashola, aka Naira Marley on or about the 10th day of May 2019, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with an intent to defraud, possessed counterfeit card with No. 4921819410257431 issued to Timea Fedorne Tatar and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 33 (9) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention, ETC) Act, 2015.

Count Ten: ““That you, Azeez Adeshina Fashola, aka Naira Marley on or about the 10th day of May 2019, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court attempted to retain possession of more than two cards issues in the name of different cardholders and which cards were retained under circumstances which constitute card theft and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 27 (1) (a) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention, ETC) Act, 2015 and punishable under section 34 of the same act.

Count 11: ““That you, Azeez Adeshina Fashola, aka Naira Marley on or about the 10th day of May 2019, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did retain the possession of more than two cards issued in the name of different cardholders and which cards were retained under circumstances which constitute a card theft and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 34 of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention, ETC) Act, 2015.

The charge dated May 14, 2019 was personally signed and collected by Naira Marley on May 15, 2019 who is still being detained by the EFCC in Lagos.

Should Naira Marley be found guilty, he risks facing 7 years imprisonment.

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