The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, has expressed concern that political attention across the country has shifted towards the 2027 general elections while hunger, poverty, and insecurity continue to afflict millions of Nigerians.
Speaking during the 2025 Ofala Festival in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Friday, the monarch said the political class’ neglect of governance for early alliances ahead of the next elections was worsening the country’s economic and social challenges.
Achebe warned that abandoning governance in pursuit of political ambition could further deepen hardship and instability nationwide.
He lamented that ordinary Nigerians were bearing the brunt of the neglect as living costs continue to rise despite ongoing economic reforms.
“Ordinary Nigerians are paying the price of neglect as hardship deepens nationwide despite ongoing economic reforms. Our poverty rate has risen from 40 per cent in 2018 to 46 per cent in 2023, translating to about 104 million Nigerians now classified as poor, according to the World Bank Development Report on Nigeria.
“The reality on the ground is dire. The unending violence in most parts of the country continues to affect the agricultural sector very seriously.”
While acknowledging that the Federal Government was implementing “laudable macroeconomic stabilisation measures,” Achebe urged authorities to ensure transparency and fairness in distributing palliatives to vulnerable citizens.
He advised that relief materials must reach the intended beneficiaries directly and not be derailed by corruption or bureaucracy.
Turning to the South-East, the monarch expressed concern over insecurity and its economic toll on the region, describing the recent conviction of Finland-based separatist agitator Simon Ekpa as a “potential turning point.”
Citing a report by SBM Intelligence titled Four Years of Disruption, Achebe said the South-East economy had lost about ₦7.6tn since 2021 due to insecurity and the sit-at-home disruptions.
“The scourge of violence and kidnapping in the South-East continues to mutate in different forms. We pray that the recent conviction in Finland of Simon Ekpa will contribute to a general reduction of violent crime in the region.
“This is the moment for deep reflection among Ndigbo. Nigeria and the world are leaving us behind due to the deliberate actions of a few purveyors of violence among us,” he added.
On the upcoming Anambra governorship election slated for November 8, Achebe called for peace, transparency, and voter participation, lamenting the low turnout in the ongoing voter registration exercise.
“In the first week of the INEC registration exercise, only 2,482 persons pre-registered online across four South-East states, excluding Anambra, compared to 848,359 in the South-West. This is alarming and demands urgent mobilisation by our leaders,” he said.
Despite the somber national mood, the 2025 Ofala Festival — the 24th edition — retained its cultural splendour, with dignitaries, traditional rulers, and visitors from within and outside the country in attendance.
Marking his 24th Ofala celebration since ascending the throne in 2002, Achebe urged Nigerians to remain resilient and united.
“Our theme last year was ‘Better. Stronger. Together.’ It was a call on our people to consolidate on our breakthroughs and galvanise for the challenges ahead. That message remains as relevant today as ever,” the monarch said.
