Ateke Tom files N1bn defamation suit against Rivers APC

From Blessing Ibunge, Port Harcourt
The Amanyanabo of Okochiri in Okirika Local Government Area of Rivers State, His Royal Majesty, King Ateke Tom, has filed a N1 billion suit against eight chieftains of the state All Progressives Congress (APC) over alleged defamation.
The matter before a state High Court sitting in Port Harcourt is registered as suit number PHC/345/2018.
In the suit, Ateke, an ex-Niger Delta agitator, demanded for an apology from the APC chieftains on national newspapers for denting his character.
The defendants in the suit are Hon. Asita O. Asita, the deputy governorship candidate of the APC in the 2015 election, Dr. Davies Ikanya, the state APC Chairman, Dumo Lulu Briggs, Sampson Ngerigbara.
Others defendants are Prince Tonye Princewill, Sekonte Davies, Emeka Beke, the Secretary of the APC, and Lawrence Chuku.
The suit was prompted by a pro-SARS rally organised in Port Harcourt by the APC where Atekea��s picture was printed in a banner and described as a criminal made a king by the state government.