The Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Achebe, has raised the alarm over the deteriorating well-being of Nigerians due to the economic reforms implemented by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking during the 2024 Ofala Festival celebration in Onitsha on Friday, Achebe lamented the escalating insecurity and economic difficulties plaguing the nation.
The festival, themed “Courage, Perseverance, Self-Reliance,” served as a platform for the monarch to urge Nigerians to endure the challenging circumstances they faced.
He stated, “The well-being of the people has declined more steeply in the last 12 months, leading to a 10-day national protest in August 2024, tagged #EndBadGovernance. The two areas of greatest concern are the economy and security.”
Achebe articulated the combined impacts of these issues, including the soaring cost of living, numerous business closures, rising unemployment rates, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness and distrust in the government.
He expressed disappointment that, despite Tinubu’s strong belief in his bold policies, petrol prices have surged while the value of the naira continues to plummet.
The Obi urged the President to explore alternative solutions and urgently convene a non-partisan national economic and security summit aimed at forging a collaborative approach to tackle the country’s pressing challenges.
Furthermore, Achebe decried the rampant violence and property destruction caused by unknown gunmen in the South-East, emphasizing the lack of effective response from authorities.
He said, “In the South-East, we still face the unrelenting scourge of unknown gunmen who kill, maim, and kidnap their fellow Ndigbo for ransom. Schools, markets, and public facilities remain closed on Mondays, causing enormous economic and social costs to the Ndigbo community.”
Highlighting the alarming rise in armed criminal activities, Achebe noted that August 2024 witnessed a significant increase in violence.
He expressed concerns over inadequate funding for local vigilante teams, which he deemed critical for combating these security challenges.
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