•Monarch Decries Deepening Poverty and Hardship, Cites World Bank Data
••Achebe Urges Transparency in Palliative Distribution Amid Macroeconomic Reforms
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, has raised alarm over the growing neglect of governance across Nigeria, accusing the political class of prioritising early manoeuvres for the 2027 general elections while citizens grapple with deepening poverty, insecurity, and economic hardship.
Speaking at the 2025 Ofala Festival in Onitsha, Anambra State, the revered monarch lamented that political attention has shifted from leadership to self-preservation, warning that such abandonment of duty could worsen national instability.
“The attention of the political class has become literally diverted to the 2027 general elections,” Achebe said. “New alliances are being forged as political fortunes rise and fall. There is a distinct impression that these efforts are largely for self-preservation and material benefit.”
He noted that ordinary Nigerians are bearing the brunt of this neglect, citing rising living costs and a worsening poverty rate. “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,” he stated.
Achebe acknowledged the Federal Government’s macroeconomic reforms but urged transparency and fairness in the distribution of palliatives. “Relief materials must reach the intended beneficiaries directly and not be derailed by corruption or bureaucracy,” he advised.
Turning to the South-East, the monarch expressed concern over the region’s economic losses due to insecurity and sit-at-home disruptions. He referenced a report by SBM Intelligence which estimated that the South-East economy had lost ₦7.6 trillion since 2021.
“The scourge of violence and kidnapping in the South-East continues to mutate in different forms,” Achebe said. “We pray that the recent conviction in Finland of Simon Ekpa will contribute to a general reduction of violent crime in the region.”
He called for introspection among Ndigbo, warning that the region risks being left behind due to the actions of a few violent actors. “Nigeria and the world are leaving us behind due to the deliberate actions of a few purveyors of violence among us,” he added.
Ahead of the Anambra governorship election scheduled for November 8, Achebe urged peace, transparency, and voter mobilisation. He expressed concern over poor turnout in the ongoing voter registration exercise, revealing that only 2,482 persons had 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 sobering national context, the 2025 Ofala Festival — marking Achebe’s 24th year on the throne — retained its cultural grandeur, drawing dignitaries, traditional rulers, and guests from across Nigeria and beyond.
“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,” Achebe concluded. “That message remains as relevant today as ever.”
