The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe Agbogidi, has expressed fears over looming catastrophe in the country following the economic hardship across the land.

The Monarch expressed apprehension that should government fail to address the worsening state of the country?s economy its consequential effects would be grave.

Speaking on the state of the nation during the 23rdOfala Festival at Ime Obi Onitsha Anambra state Achebe lamented that instead of the situation in the country improving it has worsened blaming it on the failure of government to address issues such as high cost of living, insecurity and youth restiveness.

His words: ?At Ofala last year, I stated that the previous twelve months were marked by uncertainties occasioned by the aftermath of the general elections, further exacerbated by the continuing insecurity and the effects of the sudden removal of the fuel subsidy.

?Unfortunately the wellbeing of the polity has declined even more steeply in the last twelve months leading to the ten day national protest in August 2024 tagged Endbadgovernance.

?The two areas of most concern are the economy and security. Their combined effects are the spiraling rise in the cost of living business closures, loss of employment, a general feeling of hopelessness and lack of trust in the government.

Several individuals and organizations including Iba Gani Adams, The Patriots, League of Nigerian Columnists, Yoruba Council of Elders, Afenifere, Arewa Consultative Forum, etc, have variously drawn the attention of the government to the looming catastrophe if no constructive action is taken to reverse the decline.

?The have urged the government to give urgent attention to its fundamental constitutional responsibility, namely the security and wellbeing of the citizenry.

?Some of the specific views put forward include the devolution and downsizing of governance the nexus between insecurity, agriculture and high cost of living the impact of fuel price on the cost of living, bad governance driven by corruption and ostentatious life style of the political leaders.?

Achebe further noted that he has continued to lead the Joint Body of South East Council of Traditional Rulers and representatives of Igbo Arch Bishops and Bishops on peace and reconciliation as well as encouraging the South East Governor?s Forum to be meeting periodically to share ideas and have focus for the interest of Igbo land.

Agbogidi however lamented the hate speeches and potential atrocities, crimes against the Igbos particularly in Lagos and South West, adding that the Joint Body is persevering with major values orientation exercise for Igbo land which was launched last year. (Saturday Telegraph)