Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, on Thursday, led a delegation of parliamentarians on a courtesy visit to King Michael Ateke Tom, Amanyanabo of Okochiri, in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The visit was part of the activities for the 2nd Extraordinary Parliamentary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Port Harcourt.

In a statement by his Media Assistant, Ifeanyi Ogbonna, King Ateke Tom reflected on his past involvement in Niger Delta militancy, saying his actions were driven by the deplorable conditions in the oil-rich region.

He noted that the agitation helped draw federal attention to the plight of the Niger Delta and created opportunities for its people.

The monarch called on the ECOWAS Parliament to advocate for sustained development efforts, stressing that much still needs to be done to lift the people out of poverty.

He also pledged to work with the Federal Government to combat insecurity nationwide.

ECOWAS parliamentarians commended the King for his role in restoring peace in the region. Dr. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, Nigeria’s representative in the ECOWAS Parliament, said the visit was aimed at learning from the King’s experience to consolidate peace in the Niger Delta.

The Speaker, Ibrahima, and Fourth Deputy Speaker, Hon. Billay Tunkara, urged the monarch to share his insights with government authorities to help address security challenges across the country.

King Ateke Tom reaffirmed his readiness to partner with governments, institutions, and individuals committed to peace and development in the Niger Delta and beyond.