The people of Aboh Kingdom, Ndokwa East local government area, have celebrated the last Sunday of the year with peace and unity within the community.
The peace walk, which was preceded by prayers, started from the royal palace in Aboh and was led by the traditional ruler, His Imperial Majesty, Obi, Dr Greg Oputa 111, accompanied by his Council of Chiefs, elders, youths, women, and other critical stakeholders in the kingdom.
The walk tagged “March For Peace and Unity“ was intermittently punctuated by special intercessory prayers by His Imperial Majesty, Dr Oputa 111, at strategic points within the kingdom during the exercise.
Addressing the large crowd of residents who participated in the walk, the monarch said the programme was part of efforts designed to usher in enduring peace, unity and tranquillity in the kingdom in the new year.
He assured that no effort would be spared in promoting peaceful coexistence among the people, which he described as a prerequisite 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 turnout for the peace walk, Obi Oputa 111 assured that he would not renege in his resolve to promote peace, unity, and the overall development of the kingdom.
Obi Oputa 111 further stated that he would continue to prioritise the security and well-being of the people. It encouraged them to jettison acts that were inimical to the peace and security of the area at all times.
The monarch also admonished them to be vigilant to nip in the bud the antics of those fanning the embers of crisis, disclosing that an emergency hotline would enable residents to give valuable and actionable intelligence information to law enforcement agents about suspicious activities for possible prompt intervention.
Obi Oputa 111 commiserated with the family who lost a loved one in the community due to avoidable issues and prayed for the repose of the soul of the faithful departed.
Obi Oputa 111 condemned in powerful terms the actions of those who delight in inciting others to crisis, warning that the long arm of the law would soon catch up with such persons.
Some residents of the community interviewed hailed the monarch‘s leadership style, particularly his peaceful approach to issues. They vowed to support the king in fast-tracking the kingdom‘s development and the people‘s economic well-being.