- He pointed to the August 2024 national protest, “#Endbadgovernance,” as a reflection of widespread dissatisfaction with governance and economic policies
The Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Achebe, has expressed concern over the escalating insecurity and economic difficulties plaguing Nigeria.
Speaking during the 2024 Ofala festival in Onitsha, the monarch criticized the current administration under President Bola Tinubu, warning that the country’s worsening state requires urgent action to avoid a national catastrophe.
Achebe highlighted that the last 12 months have been marked by increased uncertainty, exacerbated by insecurity and the rising cost of living, particularly after the removal of the fuel subsidy.
He pointed to the August 2024 national protest, “#Endbadgovernance,” as a reflection of widespread dissatisfaction with governance and economic policies.
“The wellbeing of the polity has declined even more steeply in the last 12 months, leading to a 10-day national protest,” Achebe stated. He noted that business closures, job losses, and a general feeling of hopelessness are some of the critical issues Nigerians are facing. Despite President Tinubu’s assurances about his policies, Achebe emphasized that petrol prices continue to rise, the naira is depreciating, and protest leaders are being prosecuted for treason.
The monarch called on the president to consider alternative viewpoints and convene a non-partisan national economic and security summit. He stressed that several individuals and organizations have urged the government to address fundamental issues such as governance reform, corruption, and the high cost of living, particularly as it relates to fuel prices and agricultural challenges.
Achebe urged decisive action to reverse the decline, emphasizing the need to tackle both the economic and security crises facing the nation.