The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Rivers State Council has appointed Ateke Michael Tom, the Sekuro of Niger Delta and Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom in Okrika local government area of Rivers state as its patron.
Chairman of NUJ in the state, Paul Bazia, announced the appointment at the King’s palace,Tuesday, when he led a delegation of his executives and other senior journalists on a courtesy visit to King Ateke Tom in his palace in Okrika LGA of the state.
Paul Bazia said after a thorough search for a replacement of their former Patron, the late Chukuemeka Nnam-Obi, Eze Ogba, the union zeroed down on HRM King Ateke Tom.
He highlighted some of the attributes of King Tom that warranted his choice as their patron, to include peace building, good leadership style, culture and tourism promotion, as well as philanthropy.
The NUJ chairman expressed the willingness of the union to partner with the monarch in all his activities by effectively disseminating the information to the public.
He equally appealed to King Ateke Tom to assist the NUJ in actualising its planned insurance scheme for members in Rivers State.
Responding, King Ateke Tom accepted the offer and promised to do whatever is required of him as a patron.
He however recalled his ordeal in the hands of some journalists during the dark days of his persecution with the then powers that be and regretted that these Journalists allegedly ganged-up with his enemies to report falsehood against him, with a view to tarnishing his image.
The King said he does not only thank God for sparing his life,but for promoting him to his present status as First Class King.