The Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty Nnaemeka Achebe, has issued a stark warning about the dire consequences of unchecked corruption in Nigeria, likening it to “milking the country dry.” The revered monarch cautioned that the nation could face collapse if political leaders continue prioritizing personal and sectional interests over the welfare of the country.

Achebe voiced his concerns during the public unveiling of Bold Leap, a book authored by Senator Chris Anyanwu, held yesterday in Abuja.

In his address, Achebe highlighted the persistent inaction and self-serving attitudes among the political elite. He remarked, “Should we continue milking the cow, it will die. In this country, since independence, we’ve been talking and talking and talking. I think it’s time we begin to think about doing something.”

The monarch outlined two potential paths for Nigeria:

Continued Exploitation – Leaders could maintain the status quo, placing sectional and personal interests above the nation’s needs, which would eventually lead to national collapse

Prioritizing National Interest – Leaders could shift their focus toward genuine public service, putting the country’s progress and unity first.

Achebe’s remarks serve as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for ethical leadership in Nigeria. His warning comes amid widespread concerns over corruption and governance failures, which many believe are eroding the nation’s stability and economic potential.

The event’s host, Senator Anyanwu, echoed similar sentiments in her book, calling for bold leadership and a transformative approach to governance.