Policy Briefs

Oseloka H. Obaze (OHO) on Odenigbo FM – Tackles Matters Arising in Anambra and Nation


Church and State:

“Constitution dictated separation of State and Church; but there no law that says the State and Church cannot collaborate or partner. Such collaboration is important especially in education, healthcare and social welfare.”

On Erosion in Anambra and Ecological:

“In addressing erosion, there’s also a legislative problem as it has been put in the exclusive list. My worry also is someone sitting in Abuja and trying to make a decision on the erosion in Oko or Agulu. They can’t make the right decision because they’re not on ground. ”

“How the Ecological funds are disbursed matters; It must not become transaction driven.”

“The challenge with Ecological funds is that it is extra-budgetary. You invariably leave it at the whim and caprices of the Governor and Commissioner for Environment, which leaves room for abuse and embezzlement of the funds. Let’s make it specific, public and transparent.”

On National Unity:

“It is regrettable that certain groups want to make others refugees and IDPs in this country. ”

“I commend the Acting President Osinbajo for taking the dialogue initiative, but it would have helped if the Youths were brought into the discussion; the country belongs to them too.”

“With inclusive dialogue People will begin to find that they have more similarities than differences. If their mindset is what we are experiencing now, then we are in great danger.”

“We need to manage the expression of hate speech. We need to look at the 2014 Confab and address those concerns the people have.”

“South East is the only region with five States, there should be equity and fairness. If there’s agitation in the South East, it’s because we feel that 50 years after the war, we are still treated as second class citizens. Nobody likes that.”

“Has the no victor, no vanquished declaration been fully exercised? Has the reconciliation, reconstruction and rehabilitation be done? Let’s have a dialogue.”

On recent Building Collapse in Oko:

“Anambra State published a White Paper on building collapse when I was SSG. The Paper set out clearly what the stakeholders ought to be doing.” 

“For buildings to be collapsing now, means we have not complied with the provisions of the government White Paper. Once we issued the White Paper, the collapse of building stopped;,but if it is happening now that means non-compliance and or compromised enforcement.”

“For bridges and flyovers, you must consider the dead weight when the vehicles are not moving and dynamic weight when the vehicles are moving. For a structure that is less than five years old to be having structural issues, means there’s more to be looked at by the government.”

On call for Referendum:

“Do you want to get something on your own terms of you want to take something that is packaged for you? We need to dialogue in this country. Beware of strangers bearing Greek gifts.”

On the Killing of Protesters in Onitsha:

“The Constitution allows people freedom of assembly and freedom of speech. No security agency has the right to fire live shots at people gathering for peaceful Assembly. ”

“Police and other security agencies have the responsibility of arriving at protest grounds with water cannons and rubber bullets not live ammunition. Save that for armed criminals.”

Oseloka Obaze, MD & CEO

Oseloka Obaze, MD & CEO

Mr. Obaze is the former Secretary to the State Government of Anambra State, Nigeria from 2012 to 2015 - MD & CEO, Oseloka H. Obaze. Mr. Obaze also served as a former United Nations official, from 1991-2012, and as a former member of the Nigerian Diplomatic Service, from 1982-1991.

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