The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, has called for urgent action to address Nigeria’s worsening economic hardship and insecurity, saying millions of people are struggling to meet their basic needs.
In his 2026 Ofala message, themed “Celebrating 500+ Years of the Onitsha Monarchy,” Achebe referenced a World Bank development update that estimated 104 million Nigerians were living in poverty in 2023.
He said insecurity across parts of the country had compounded the economic pressures facing households. He also pointed to concerns raised by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria during its recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu, where the bishops discussed both national security and the cost of living.
According to the monarch, these challenges affect Nigerians regardless of their political, religious or ethnic backgrounds and require a focused response from the government.
“Hunger, unemployment, poor and inaccessible medical service, insecurity, and such other inadequate factors of human development, are pervading in the country. We plead with Mr President to give urgent attention to the fire situation on the ground,” he said
Achebe urged civic groups and other stakeholders to encourage public participation and educate voters ahead of future elections. He called on political parties to avoid violence and campaign on policies and practical proposals.
He further appealed to people in the South-East to turn out in large numbers for the 2027 elections. Low voter participation, he cautioned, could limit the region’s influence in decisions that affect its interests.
“I call on the people of the South-East States to shake off their historical apathy towards elections. We cannot stay away from elections and turn around to complain of marginalisation. In democracy, all votes count. Therefore, we must come out and vote for our candidates,” the monarch said.
The Obi also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to safeguard the credibility of the polls, saying public trust in democracy depends on a fair electoral process.
Achebe urged the Tinubu administration to concentrate on addressing people’s immediate concerns, adding that effective leadership should be measured by its response to citizens’ needs as the next general elections approach.
Ultimately, Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and economic hardship require urgent government action. The rising cost of fuel and food has made daily life increasingly difficult, with many families struggling to afford basic necessities and put three meals on the table. As poverty deepens and the gap between the rich and the poor widens, citizens are finding it harder to live with dignity and security. The government must move beyond promises and deliver practical measures to improve safety, ease the cost of living and restore hope to Nigerians.
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