Obaze calls for transformative leadership, citizen accountability

Onitsha — Former Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Hon. Oseloka Obaze, has called for transformative leadership and responsible citizenship to rebuild Nigeria and restore public trust.

Obaze, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Selonnes Consult, made the call while delivering a keynote address at the Naija at 66 Unity Independence Fest at the Military Cantonment, Onitsha.

Speaking on “Beyond Independence: Building the Nigeria We Want,” Obaze said Nigeria was facing a serious trust deficit, worsened by ethnic, religious and political divisions.

He said citizens must stop defending poor governance because of tribe, religion or political affiliation and instead demand accountability from public office holders.

“The office of the citizen is the highest office in the land,” Obaze said, urging Nigerians to exercise their constitutional rights and responsibilities in demanding good governance.

He said nation-building required commitment, sacrifice, inclusivity and tolerance, with government ensuring security, economic opportunity, political freedom and equal protection under the law.

According to him, a functional society must guarantee citizens access to food, clean water, affordable housing, healthcare, education, physical security and financial stability.

Obaze also stressed the right to peaceful coexistence, saying Nigerians should be free to live and conduct legitimate businesses anywhere in the country without discrimination, while respecting the laws and rights of host communities.

He said citizens’ rights to privacy and due process must also be protected, stressing that government agencies should operate within the law when searching homes, offices, vehicles or seizing personal property.

The former SSG blamed the country’s governance challenges partly on citizens’ failure to hold leaders accountable, particularly when ethnic, religious or personal considerations influence their judgment.

He, however, said Nigeria still possessed the human and material resources required to achieve sustainable development, stressing that “hope is not lost and should not be lost.”

Obaze said future leaders must prioritise national interests, reduce the cost of governance and living, tackle corruption and impunity, eliminate waste and leakages, protect public resources and provide security.

He also advocated export-driven manufacturing, job creation, uninterrupted electricity and strategic fuel reserves as part of measures to strengthen the economy.

Reflecting on the national anthem’s message that “Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand,” Obaze urged Nigerians to regard one another as compatriots and partners in nation-building, regardless of differences.

“Building the Nigeria of our dreams is a shared responsibility,” he said, urging citizens to contribute through excellence, constructive engagement and patriotism.

Obaze also cautioned Nigerians against selling their votes for short-term benefits, saying citizens should demand responsible leadership rather than depend on handouts and palliatives.

He said Nigeria could achieve peace, unity, prosperity and sustainable development if citizens and leaders collectively embraced accountability and national responsibility.