The Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Achebe, has expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity and economic challenges facing Nigeria. Speaking during the 2024 Ofala festival in Onitsha on Friday, he highlighted the growing uncertainties and increased cost of living that have characterized the nation over the past year.
Achebe, a respected first-class monarch, criticized the current administration of President Bola Tinubu for the declining state of the country. He emphasized that urgent and critical measures must be implemented to reverse this decline, warning that failure to act could lead to catastrophic consequences for the nation.
During the festival, themed “Courage, Perseverance, and Self-Reliance,” Achebe acknowledged the hardships many Nigerians are facing. He urged citizens to remain determined and resilient in navigating these tough times, emphasizing the need for collective strength in the face of adversity.
Reflecting on the past year, he stated, “At Ofala last year, I stated that the previous 12 months were marked by uncertainties occasioned by the aftermath of the general elections, further exacerbated by the continuing insecurity and effects of the sudden removal of the fuel subsidy.” He noted that the situation has worsened, leading to increased protests against the government.
Achebe pointed to a 10-day national protest in August 2024, dubbed ‘#Endbadgovernance,’ as a clear sign of public discontent. He identified the economy and security as the two most pressing issues facing the nation, saying, “Their combined effects are the spiraling rise in the cost of living, business closures, loss of employment, general feeling of hopelessness, and lack of trust in the government.”
Despite these challenges, he criticized the government’s assurances regarding its policies, stating, “Meanwhile, Mr. President has been assuring the nation about the efficacy of his ‘very bold and unprecedented decisions’, even as petrol prices are skyrocketing, the naira is a free-for-all.” He also highlighted the troubling prosecution of protest leaders for expressing their constitutional rights.
The Obi of Onitsha urged President Tinubu to embrace alternative viewpoints and promptly convene a non-partisan national summit focused on economic and security issues. “Several individuals and organisations have variously drawn the attention of the Federal Government to the looming catastrophe if no constructive action is taken to reverse the decline,” he stressed.
He further elaborated on specific recommendations, including the need for devolution of governance and addressing the connections between insecurity, agriculture, and the high cost of living. He criticized the current governance structure, highlighting the detrimental impact of corruption and the lavish lifestyles of political leaders.
Additionally, Achebe condemned the rampant violence in the Southeast, particularly from unknown gunmen. He lamented, “In the South-East, we still face the unrelenting scourge of the unknown gunmen who kill, maim, and kidnap their fellow Ndigbo for money.” He noted the substantial economic and social costs resulting from school and market closures due to ongoing insecurity.
