Obi Of Onitsha Sounds Alarm On Nigeria’s Twin Evils: Distressed Economy And Insecurity

By Chuks Eke*

Onitsha, Anambra State – The revered Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, has issued a stark warning about the perilous state of Nigeria, highlighting the combined impact of a crippled economy and rampant insecurity on the nation’s well-being.

During his annual Ofala festival message, traditionally a celebration of cultural heritage, the monarch painted a bleak picture of a country teetering on the edge of despair.

“Onye kwe, Chi’e ekwe,” the Obi declared, urging courage, perseverance, and self-reliance in the face of adversity.

He lamented the spiraling cost of living, widespread business closures, job losses, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness that has gripped the populace.

Echoing his concerns from last year’s Ofala, the Obi pointed to the lingering effects of the 2023 general elections, further exacerbated by relentless insecurity and the shockwaves of the fuel subsidy removal.

The past twelve months, he stated, have seen a further decline in the nation’s well-being, culminating in a nationwide ten-day protest in August 2024, # [Insert Protest Hashtag].

“Unfortunately, the federal government has disregarded our specific recommendations for national revitalisation,” Achebe stated, citing proposals for devolution, government downsising, and addressing the complex nexus between insecurity, agriculture, and the cost of living.

He also emphasised the devastating impact of rising fuel prices and the corrosive effects of corruption and extravagant lifestyles among political leaders.

The monarch urged President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to consider alternative viewpoints and convene a non-partisan national economic and security summit to chart a path forward for the country.

The Obi’s message also highlighted the devastating impact of insecurity on the Igbo community, particularly the ongoing menace of “unknown gunmen” who continue to terrorize the region with killings, kidnappings, and extortion.

This violence has led to the closure of schools, markets, and public facilities every Monday in the name of the “sit-at-home” order, further crippling the economy and creating a climate of fear.

The Obi’s stark warning serves as a poignant reminder of the deep-rooted challenges facing Nigeria. Qq

It remains to be seen whether the federal government will heed the Obi’s call for action and engage in a meaningful dialogue to address the country’s mounting crises.