A Lagos-based businessman, Jeremiah Nworu Obaji, has set out on a 633-kilometre walk from Ikorodu, Lagos State, to Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, in support of Governor Francis Nwifuru?s peace initiatives in the Effium/Ezza-Effium community of Ohaukwu Local Government Area.

Obaji, a native of Inikiri Umuezeoka, began his journey at noon on Friday, cheered on by friends and business associates.

He said the trek was inspired by the governor?s proactive efforts to end the violent conflict that erupted in January 2021, which claimed lives and displaced many families, including some of his relatives.

?The crisis caused untold hardship to me and many others. The governor promised peace during his campaign, and he has delivered. This trek is my way of thanking him,? Obaji said.

He also commended the creation of new autonomous communities and boundary demarcations to prevent future disputes, noting that the governor signed a peace accord into law in May, which included establishing five autonomous communities?three for Effium indigenes and two for their Ezza counterparts.

?We have been able to champion peace with dignity and respect for humanity. Some people are benefiting from this crisis, but this government will not allow them to sabotage peace,? the governor had said during the signing ceremony at the Government House in Abakaliki.

However, not everyone has embraced the measures. Leaders of the Effium community have rejected certain aspects of the peace plan?particularly the ceding of land and the creation of autonomous communities?vowing to challenge the move in court. They accused the governor of favouring the Ezza people.

Despite the pushback, Governor Nwifuru?s efforts have received widespread praise. The Ebonyi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and several federal lawmakers have applauded his commitment to restoring peace.

APC spokesperson, Chidi Ogbuatu, described the governor as ?a true peacemaker,? while Senators Onyekachi Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North) and Ken Eze (Ebonyi Central) hailed his ?courageous political will? in tackling the conflict.

As part of its broader peace agenda, the state government recently released about 180 detainees arrested during the height of the conflict, citing insufficient evidence to prosecute them.

Despite lingering tensions, Obaji insists that peace is gradually returning to his community.

?Even if the governor did nothing else, the peace he brought has saved countless lives. We must all appreciate him when he does well,? he said.

At the time of filing this report, Mr. Obaji had passed Pre in Ondo state and was heading to Ofosu before Okada Junction in Benin City Edo State. (The Nation)

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