The Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, has issued a stern warning to Nigerian politicians, urging them not to abandon governance in pursuit of political ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections. He cautioned that the growing obsession with power plays and political alliances could worsen Nigeria’s deepening economic and social crises.
Speaking during the 2025 Ofala Festival in Onitsha, the revered monarch expressed concern that the political class had already shifted focus to the next election cycle, while millions of Nigerians continue to endure hunger, hardship, and insecurity. He described the ongoing political maneuvering as self-serving and disconnected from the harsh realities ordinary citizens face daily.
“The attention of our politicians has turned to 2027,” Achebe remarked. “New alliances are being formed, but these efforts appear driven more by self-preservation and personal gain than by any genuine desire to improve the lives of our people.”
Referencing a recent World Bank report, he revealed that the poverty rate in Nigeria had climbed from 40 percent in 2018 to 46 percent in 2023 — meaning over 104 million citizens now live below the poverty line. He warned that the persistent violence across several parts of the country continues to cripple agriculture and other key sectors vital to national growth.
The monarch urged the government to make sure that relief materials and welfare initiatives truly reach those who need them most, emphasizing that corruption and bureaucracy must not stand in the way of citizens’ survival.
Turning his focus to the South East, Achebe expressed deep worry over the region’s unending insecurity, describing it as both an economic and moral tragedy. He acknowledged the recent conviction of Finland-based separatist Simon Ekpa, expressing hope that it could mark a new chapter toward peace.
“The scourge of violence and kidnapping in the South East has taken on new dimensions,” he said. “We hope the recent legal action abroad will help curb the senseless bloodshed that has crippled our region.”
Citing a report by SBM Intelligence titled Four Years of Disruption, the monarch revealed that the South East has lost an estimated ₦7.6 trillion since 2021 due to insecurity and the sit-at-home orders. He called on Ndigbo to reflect deeply on the damage caused by those fueling instability, warning that their actions have left the region lagging behind while the rest of the country — and the world — moves forward.
As Anambra prepares for its off-cycle governorship election next month, Achebe appealed for peace, transparency, and mass voter participation. He expressed concern over the low number of new voters in the ongoing registration exercise, describing it as a worrying trend that demands immediate attention from community leaders.
“In just one week of INEC’s registration, only 2,482 people registered online across four South East states, excluding Anambra, compared to over 848,000 in the South West. That gap is alarming,” he stated.
While commending the Federal Government for introducing policies aimed at stabilizing the economy, the Obi urged authorities to ensure that palliatives and social benefits are distributed with fairness and accountability.
The 2025 Ofala Festival, known for its cultural splendor and royal pageantry, once again drew dignitaries, traditional rulers, and guests from across Nigeria and beyond — a reflection of the rich heritage and enduring influence of the Onitsha Kingdom.
