By Polycarp Ifeanyi
A social critic, Comrade Bright Afam Chukwudozie, has warned that withdrawing the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (Ocha Brigade) from performing its environmental sanitation duties has put Onitsha and its environs at serious risk.
Speaking to journalists during a visit to the city, Chukwudozie said the decision to restrict Ocha Brigade from its lawful duty was a loophole being exploited by the opposition to undermine the achievements of Governor Charles Soludo’s administration.
He said: “Restricting Ocha Brigade from doing their work, especially in Onitsha, is a loophole created by the opposition to weaken Professor Soludo at this critical period of election. They want to use this opportunity to run propaganda and counter his second-term campaign.”
The activist, who began his career in Anambra but now resides in Lagos, expressed disappointment at the worsening state of sanitation in Onitsha.
“Honestly, I couldn’t withstand what I saw during this trip,” he lamented.
“Everywhere has started stinking again — Bridgehead, Ogbogwu Market by the express, Upper Iweka. The drainages are filled with debris, refuse is littered everywhere. I even asked people if Ocha Brigade was still working.”
According to Chukwudozie, residents told him the agency was withdrawn following the recent shooting at Onitsha Main Market, which claimed the life of a woman and left others injured.
“Of course, the shooting was very unfortunate, but to me it could even have been politically induced,” he said.
“So, for the state government to withdraw the entire Ocha Brigade because of that incident is like someone shooting himself in the foot. Ocha Brigade is a properly established agency under Anambra’s environmental health law, not just a group of touts. During my last visit, I saw them working without guns, so I don’t understand why they should be punished for something they didn’t do.”
He further cautioned that delaying their return until after the November election could erode public confidence in the agency.
“It might be worse if they wait until after the election because people will not take them seriously again,” he argued.
“Why not identify and punish the person responsible for the shooting and let others go back to work? Look at how dirty everywhere is again.
“Withdrawing Ocha Brigade is not a proper solution — it’s a mockery of Soludo’s administration. The culprit should face the music, and Ocha Brigade should be returned to their duty.”
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