The Clan Head of Kasuk Qua Clan II in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, His Royal Highness, Ntoe (Dr.) Ededem Okon Ayito III, has lamented the level of hardship and insecurity in Nigeria, saying the country ought to have achieved far more at 66.
The monarch, who spoke as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, said the nation had reached an age when it should be witnessing greater development, economic prosperity and improved living conditions for its citizens.
He said, "As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, I feel we are getting old because a man at 66 is approaching old age and the country ought to be better than what we are today."
Ntoe Ayito expressed concern over the difficulties confronting Nigerians, particularly low income earners, and called on governments at all levels to improve governance and address the challenges affecting citizens.
He said the country was still grappling with serious security challenges, including Boko Haram insurgency, kidnapping and militancy, adding that more needed to be done to protect lives and property.
"On security, we are not so protected. There are challenges ranging from Boko Haram, kidnapping and militancy. Government needs to improve on this," he said.
The monarch also decried the worsening economic situation, citing rising fuel prices, transportation costs, house rents and food prices, as well as what he described as poor salaries for civil servants.
He questioned how a civil servant earning N70,000 monthly could cope with the rising cost of living while also paying school fees and providing other basic necessities for the family.
"At 66, a man is supposed to have achieved a lot, knowing fully well that he is about to join his ancestors, but here we are, faced with these challenges as a nation," he added.
On developments in Cross River State, the monarch commended Governor Bassey Otu for what he described as improved security in the state.
He recalled that insecurity had previously forced traders in parts of Calabar, particularly along Bedwell Street, to close their businesses as early as 4 p.m. for fear of attacks.
"In the last dispensation, people hardly slept with their two eyes closed. At Bedwell Street in Calabar, traders used to close by 4 p.m. due to insecurity, but today there is relative peace, hence I commend the governor for this feat," he said.
Ntoe Ayito, however, urged the governor to sustain his policy of rehabilitating and remodelling abandoned projects instead of yielding to pressure to embark on new ones.
According to him, government must ensure that abandoned projects are completed because public funds have already been committed to them.
"He should not leave any project abandoned. His style of rehabilitating and remodelling old projects is the best. He should not allow old projects to go moribund. These are taxpayers' money and should not be allowed to waste," he said.
The royal father also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intensify efforts to reduce the economic burden on Nigerians.
He urged the President to either reduce the cost of fuel or increase workers' salaries to enable families to afford basic necessities.
"As the father and leader of the nation, he should not rest on his oars. If he cannot reduce fuel price, let him increase workers' salaries so civil servants can afford basic amenities and care for their families," he said.
The monarch further called for policies that would make nutritious food affordable for families, warning that prolonged dependence on poorly balanced meals could contribute to health problems.
"Let families be able to eat balanced meals. This will save us from malnutrition and diabetes. A situation where families eat garri morning, afternoon and evening is not the best. It leads to illnesses because the meals are not balanced. Government should do the needful," Ntoe Ayito added.
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