By Austin Ogwuda
THE people of Aboh Kingdom, headquarters of Ndokwa East local Government Area celebrated the last Sunday of the year with a peace and unity walk within the community.
The peace walk, which was preceded by prayers, started from the Royal Palace, Aboh and was led by the traditional ruler, His Imperial Majesty, Obi , Dr Greg Oputa III.
He was accompanied by his Council of Chiefs, elders, youths, women and other critical stakeholders in the kingdom.
The exercise tagged, ‘March for Peace and Unity’, was intermittently interjected with special intercessory prayers by His imperial Majesty, Dr Oputa III at strategic points within the kingdom.
Addressing the large crowd of residents who participated in the walk, the monarch said the programme was part of efforts to usher in enduring peace, unity and tranquility in the kingdom as they step into the New year.
He assured that no effort would be spared in promoting peaceful co-existence among the people, which he described as a prequisite for meaningful development to thrive in the area.
While commending the people for their overwhelming show of love and support for his kingship as exemplified by their massive turn out for the peace walk, Obi Oputa III gave an assurance that he would not renege in his resolve to promote peace, unity and overall development of the kingdom.
He further stated that he would continue to prioritize the security and wellbeing of the people and enjoined them to shun acts inimical to peace and security of the area at all times.
The monarch also called on them to be vigilant with a view to nipping in the bud, the antics of those fanning the embers of crisis, disclosing that an emergency hotline would be provided to enable residents give useful and actionable intelligence information to law enforcement agents on suspicious activities for possible prompt intervention.
As he commiserated with the family who lost a loved one in the community due to avoidable issues he prayed for the repose of the soul of the faithful departed, he condemned in very strong terms the actions of those inciting others to crisis warning that the long arm of the law would soon catch up with such dissidents.
Some residents of the community interviewed hailed the leadership style of the monarch, particularly his peaceful approach to issues and pledged support for the king to fast track the development of the kingdom and enhance the general well-being of the people.
