By Praise Chinecherem
The traditional ruler of Nnewi, Anambra State, Igwe Dr Kenneth Orizu 111 has decried growing insecurity and high cost of living in Nigeria.
He described the outgoing year as very bad ocasioned by the twin evil which he said made life and living dreadful for the citizenry.
Speaking during his 97th birthday and 59th year on the throne, Orizu said the increasing insecurity resulted in almost total breakdown of law and order.
He said, “The outgoing year has been very bad because of high cost of living and insecurity. The so called sit at home was hijacked by hoodlums and there was massive destruction of innocent lives and public properties.
“Many police stations were destroyed and police operational vehicles burnt, many security officers were killed and it became a taboo for policemen to wear their uniforms publicly.
“The courts could not sit as policemen were not available to provide security for Judges, kidnapping for ransom prevailed as criminals took over the public space unchallenged.”
On the 2023 general elections, the monarch urged candidates of various political parties to insist on issue based campaign and avoid abusive languages capable of causing tension.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo, in his speech, congratulated the monarch for his leadership qualities not just to Ndi-Nnewi but the state at large.
He described the industrial town as an elephant with huge resources that can build the entire state.
He however lamented level of infrastructural decay in the town, but assured his administration’s readiness to address deplorable roads and other factors militating against the town.
“Nigerians and indeed African leaders have at one time or the other visited Nnewi because of her industrial prowess. The situation today has changed. My administration would ensure that the Nnewi’s lost glory is restored.
“I appeal to Ndi-Nnewi to close ranks and work together for the betterment of the town so that Nnewi can once again be called the Japan of Africa as was done in the past,” Soludo asserted.
The presidential candidate for Labour Party (LP) Mr Peter Obi, candidates of different political parties and other dignitaries attended the event.
