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Of Obi’s Presidency and Obaze’s Kind

By Chima Christian

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There is this picture of Oseloka Henry Obaze (OHO) that was taken during Peter Obi’s consultation with Chief Bode George and Lagos PDP family yesterday. It reminded me of Proverbs 18:24. In the picture, which I have attached to this piece, one could see OHO standing and taking pictures of his friend Peter Obi.

A former United Nations diplomat, former Secretary to the Government of Anambra State, former governorship candidate, gifted thinker, prolific writer, policy consultant to several international organisations, highly accomplished individual, Obaze had no business standing during that meeting. Not only was he standing, he was personally taking pictures of the proceeding and would later upload same on his social media platforms.

One needs to visit @OselokaHObaze’s twitter handle or belong to certain WhatsApp groups with him to understand how he has literally gone on a campaign overdrive for his friend, Peter Obi. His Twitter and WhatsApp engagements could be mistaken for that of a millennial.

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OHO could easily write a cheque to Peter Obi’s campaign, grant one or two TV interviews, act all classy and dignified when he is on Peter Obi’s entourage. But no, he must go over and beyond.

Obaze’s United Nations colleagues describe him as one of Nigeria’s finest diplomats. His choice of words, especially in his writings and public comments, is proof-positive that he retained his diplomatic core. Yet, when it comes to his friends, Obaze consistently throws diplomacy in the mud.

Those who know OHO so well no longer bother advising him on some of the tasks he undertakes for his friends that could be considered to be beneath him. He gives no ear to such entreaties. Like David, once enthralled, Obaze is willing to, and has severally danced till his garments fell off.

He went all out for his 2017 running mate, Chidi Onyemelukwe, in the just-concluded Anambra election. Not only was he supporting Onyemelukwe to clinch PDP’s ticket, he made sure everyone knew where he was. His commitment to Onyemelukwe’s campaign was not only visible, when it eventually came down to the wire, Obaze proved himself faithful. At the conclusion of the voting process Onyemelukwe secured only two votes – her’s and that of Obaze. There were some of her blood relations who were delegates to that election, including those who benefited from her late father’s magnanimity, but it was Obaze from far away Ogbaru who stood with her till the end.

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Obaze has personal connections with a good number of today’s Presidential Aspirants. Nobody knows for sure where PDP is headed. He could as well hedge and play all of them as a trained diplomat that he is. Yet, Obaze has again thrown diplomacy in the mud and has carried this Peter Obi matter on his head. From campaign financing, to strategy development, to policy advisory, to camera man, to social media influencer, to project manager, to volunteer, Obaze will do and be all things for his friend, Peter Obi.

Anywhere you see Obaze now, please hug him till he turns red, there are very few of his kind remaining. Man has again gone hyperactive; he will no longer get even three hours of sleep per day till he gets to the logical conclusion of Peter Obi’s presidential aspiration. Head or tail, you can be sure he will be with Peter even after the end.

For being such a dependable friend, Obaze, to me, has earned his place among the saints. His golden crown doesn’t have stars on it however.

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Unlike Bola Tinubu or even Bukola Saraki who have raised men, Obaze hasn’t particularly shown much interest in opening doors for his mentees and younger associates. We don’t know what experiences he might have had that is holding him back, we are however thankful for the privilege of learning from such a man. While we are individually working out our own salvation, we are low-key praying to someday, even if momentarily, enjoy the version of Obaze he so generously gifts his friends.

“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24 (NIV)