Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has vowed to rid the state of fake pastors and deceptive religious practices, revealing that several suspects are already in custody and making confessions.
Soludo made the disclosure on Sunday at St. Patrick’s Cathedral during the All Knights Day celebration of the Catholic Diocese of Awka.
The governor said his administration had intensified efforts against religious fraudsters who prey on vulnerable people with misleading teachings and false promises.
He said, “The state has commenced an ongoing crackdown on fake pastors who exploit the vulnerable by preaching gospel of ‘salvation without the cross’. As I speak now, several of them are already in custody and confessing.
“A new Anambra is in the offing, which must be clean and clear of such deception. We are reinforcing the church’s teaching that hard work pays and not the other way round.
“Church leaders and the laity council must embody the courage required for societal transformation, governance and knighthood must prioritise the right path for societal development instead of the easy route.”
Soludo also praised the Catholic Church for promoting the “common good” and standing firmly against societal decay.
Highlighting the impact of the Anambra Burial Law, the governor said the policy had helped curb extravagant funeral practices while promoting “befitting living and decent burial” for citizens.
In a demonstration of fiscal discipline, Soludo approved financial support for the Knights’ charity outreach to orphanages but rejected a request for government funds to sew uniforms.
He insisted that public resources should not be used for private institutional regalia.
“The Knights must remain the light of the world and the salt of the earth by living through principles rather than mere titles. True love for Christ is found in keeping His commandments through discipline, humility, and courage,” he added.
He further urged members of the Knights to avoid elitist tendencies and remain connected to the people by preserving their “human face” and prophetic voice in society.
The event featured a Pontifical Mass presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, while the homily was delivered by the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Fr. Evaristus Iheanacho.
Meanwhile, as part of the wider crackdown on criminal and deceptive practices, the Anambra State Government has also intensified actions against suspected fraudulent native doctors.
Among those arrested is a Nnewi-based native doctor, Johnpaul Ezenagu, popularly known as “Mmuo Mmili Afulu Anya,” who was apprehended by the Anambra State Agunechemba Strike Force over allegations of conducting illegal rituals and supplying counterfeit currency to internet fraudsters.
