By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The traditional ruler of Onitsha in Anambra State, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, on Friday, expressed deep worry over the continued insecurity in the Southeast, citing its economic impact on the region, but noted that the recent conviction of Finland-based separatist agitator, Simon Ekpa, may serve as a turning point.

Achebe, who stated this during his 2025 Ofala Festival at the Ime Obi Ofala Arena in Onitsha, said that the scourge of violence and kidnapping in the South East has continuously mutated in different forms.

He prayed that the recent conviction of Simon Ekpa in Finland will contribute to the general reduction of violent crimes in the region.

The Monarch cited an SBM Intelligence report titled “Four Years of Disruption,” which estimated that the South East economy had lost about ?7.6 trillion since 2021 due to insecurity and sit-at-home disruptions, saying,

“This is the moment for deep reflection among Ndigbo. Nigeria and the world are leaving us behind due to the deliberate actions of a few purveyors of violence among us."

Speaking on the upcoming Anambra off-cycle governorship election slated for November 8,2025 Achebe sued for peace, transparency, and voter participation, noting that the apathy shown by residents of the South East in the ongoing voter registration exercises is discouraging.

He added: "In the first week of the INEC registration exercise, only 2,482 persons pre-registered online across four South East states, excluding Anambra, compared to 848,359 in the South West. This is alarming and demands urgent mobilization by our leaders.":

However, ahead of the 2027 general elections, Igwe Achebe urged Nigeria politicians to be mindful of abandoning governance in pursuit of early political alliances ahead of the elections

He warned that such actions could worsen the country’s economic and social crises.

The Obi of Onitsha further regretted the political attention across Nigeria, noting that it has ultimately shifted toward 2027 even when millions of Nigerians continue to suffer from poverty, hunger and insecurity.

He said: "The attention of the political class has become literally diverted to the 2027 general elections. New alliances are being forged as political fortunes rise and fall.

“There is a distinct impression that these efforts are largely for the self-preservation and material benefit of those in the game.

"Ordinary Nigerians were paying the price of neglect as hardship deepens nationwide despite ongoing economic reforms."

Quoting Nigeria's latest World Bank Development Report, the Monarch stressed that the poverty rate in the country have risen from 40 percent in 2018 to 46 percent in 2023, saying that it translates to about 104 million Nigerians now classified as poor.

According to him, the situation has been made worst with the spiralling costs of food, transportation, rent, and medication, as well as insecurity and violence that have crippled agricultural production across several parts of the country.

He said: "The reality on the ground is dire. The unending violence in most parts of the country continues to affect the agricultural sector very seriously. The Federal Government is implementing “laudable macroeconomic stabilization measures."

While calling on authorities to adopt transparent and corruption-free approaches in distributing palliatives to the most vulnerable citizens, Nnaemeka insisted that government must ensure relief materials and support reach the intended beneficiaries directly, without being sidelined by bureaucracy or corruption

Achebe however urged Nigerians to remain resilient and united, adding, "Our theme last year was ‘Better. Stronger. Together.’ It was a call on our people to consolidate on our breakthroughs and galvanise for the challenges ahead. That message remains as relevant today as ever."

The event sponsored by Glo network and others had in attendance dignitaries from all works of life, including traditional rulers, business moguls and the likes as well Onitsha indigenes who graced the occasion with different traditional dance groups.