…Warns of potential catastrophe if urgent actions are not taken
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, has expressed grave concern over the deepening economic crisis in Nigeria, warning of an impending catastrophe if urgent measures are not taken. The revered monarch highlighted that the current economic hardship poses a serious threat to national stability.
During the 23rd Ofala Festival held at Ime Obi, Onitsha, Anambra State, Achebe lamented that instead of improving, the nation’s condition has deteriorated further. He attributed this to the government’s failure to address critical issues, including the soaring cost of living, worsening insecurity, and growing youth unrest.
“At last year’s Ofala, I noted that the previous twelve months were marked by uncertainty, largely due to the aftermath of the general elections, persistent insecurity, and the abrupt removal of the fuel subsidy,” Achebe recalled. “Unfortunately, the nation’s wellbeing has sharply declined over the past year, culminating in the ten-day national protest in August 2024, known as ‘EndBadGovernance’.”
Achebe emphasized that the economy and security remain the most pressing challenges facing the country. “The combined effects of these crises are evident in the spiraling cost of living, widespread business closures, rising unemployment, and a general sense of hopelessness and distrust in the government,” he stated.
He further noted that various individuals and organizations, including High Chief Gani Adams, The Patriots, the League of Nigerian Columnists, the Yoruba Council of Elders, Afenifere, and the Arewa Consultative Forum, have all sounded alarms, warning of a potential disaster if the government does not take decisive action to halt the nation’s decline.
“These groups have called on the government to prioritize its constitutional mandate, which is the security and welfare of its citizens,” Achebe said. He also pointed to specific recommendations, such as decentralizing governance, addressing the link between insecurity and the high cost of living, and curbing the corruption and lavish lifestyles of political leaders.
Achebe also discussed his ongoing leadership of the Joint Body of South East Traditional Rulers and representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops, which is dedicated to peace and reconciliation. He urged the South East Governors’ Forum to meet regularly to exchange ideas for the progress of Igbo land.
The monarch expressed dismay over the rising hate speech and potential violence targeting Igbos, particularly in Lagos and the South West. He assured that the Joint Body is committed to pushing forward its values reorientation initiative, which was launched last year to instill unity and positive change across Igbo land.
Achebe also expressed deep sorrow over the cancellation of the youth carnival traditionally held during the Ofala Festival, following the tragic killing of Onitsha Youth Council leader, Barrister Earnest ABK Offish. Offish was murdered by kidnappers while accompanying the Commissioner for Youth to the wedding of Governor Charles Soludo’s daughter in Abuja.
