The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, has expressed support for the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria over its concerns about the country’s worsening economic and security challenges, insisting that the situation of ordinary Nigerians has continued to deteriorate.
Achebe also criticised government officials in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for dismissing the concerns raised by the Catholic bishops, describing such responses as an attempt to ignore the hardship and insecurity confronting citizens across the country.
The traditional ruler made his position known during his address at the 2026 Ofala Onitsha Festival, where he maintained that claims by some government officials that the bishops did not represent the wider Nigerian population were misleading.
According to him, the challenges raised by the Catholic bishops reflect the realities faced by millions of Nigerians, irrespective of their religious, ethnic or political affiliations.
Recalling his 2024 Ofala address, Achebe said he had expressed concern over the growing uncertainties in the country following the general elections and warned that the nation’s socioeconomic conditions were deteriorating.
He noted that the situation had worsened by 2025, pushing more Nigerians below the poverty line and deepening the hardship experienced by vulnerable households.
The monarch also cited a World Bank development update on Nigeria, which reportedly estimated that about 104 million people were living in poverty in 2023.
Achebe attributed the worsening situation to persistent economic difficulties and insecurity in several parts of the country, stressing that the government needed to introduce urgent measures to support the poorest and most vulnerable citizens.
He recalled that on July 28, 2026, the leadership of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria visited President Tinubu and raised concerns about persistent insecurity and the severe economic difficulties confronting the majority of Nigerians.
However, he regretted that some government officials had politicised the visit by arguing that the bishops spoke only for members of their religious community.
The monarch said such arguments failed to recognise the wider implications of the issues raised by the religious leaders.
He identified hunger, unemployment, inadequate access to healthcare, insecurity and other deficiencies in human development as some of the major challenges affecting Nigerians.
Achebe consequently appealed to President Tinubu to give urgent attention to the deteriorating conditions across the country and take concrete steps to ease the suffering of citizens.
2027 Elections: Achebe Warns Politicians Against Neglecting Governance
Speaking on the forthcoming 2027 general elections, the Obi of Onitsha expressed concern that many political officeholders were increasingly focusing on securing re-election rather than fulfilling their responsibilities to the people.
He warned that the growing emphasis on political positioning could undermine effective governance and further worsen the difficulties confronting ordinary Nigerians.
Achebe observed that democratic elections provide citizens with an opportunity to choose leaders capable of delivering effective governance and improving their welfare.
He therefore called on non-partisan stakeholders, including traditional institutions, religious organisations, town unions and civil society groups, to intensify public enlightenment, advocacy and mobilisation efforts ahead of the elections.
He also urged political parties to shun violence and conduct issue-based campaigns that would enable voters to make informed decisions.
The monarch commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its handling of the recent off-cycle governorship election in Osun State, noting that the exercise featured extensive campaigns and substantial voter participation, despite reported incidents of violence and intimidation.
He described the election as an important reference point for the forthcoming general elections, adding that Nigerians expected INEC to build on its performance and ensure credible electoral outcomes in 2027.
Achebe also urged people in the South-East to overcome what he described as their historical apathy towards elections.
According to him, residents of the region cannot continue to stay away from the electoral process and subsequently complain about political marginalisation.
“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,” he said.
Ofala 2026: Achebe Advocates Hard Work and Perseverance
Speaking on the theme of the 2026 Ofala Onitsha Festival, Achebe emphasised the importance of hard work, perseverance and continuous progress in overcoming personal and societal challenges.
He said this year’s theme, “Igba Mbo, Iga n’iru: Strive and Advance,” builds on the messages conveyed through previous editions of the festival.
According to the monarch, the 2023 theme, “Better. Together. Stronger,” encouraged the community to consolidate its achievements while preparing to confront future challenges.
He explained that the 2024 theme, “Courage. Perseverance. Self-reliance: Onye Kwe, Chi Ekwе,” reflected the difficult economic conditions facing Nigerians while offering encouragement and expressing solidarity with the people.
Achebe said the 2026 theme reinforces the need for individuals and communities to remain committed to hard work and determination as they strive for progress despite prevailing challenges.
The Ofala Onitsha Festival remains an important cultural celebration that brings together the Onitsha community and visitors to celebrate its traditions, heritage and identity.
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