Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has called on church leaders and the laity to demonstrate courage in driving societal transformation, stressing that governance and knighthood must focus on the right path rather than the easy route.
Soludo made the remarks on Sunday while speaking at St. Patrick’s Cathedral during the All Knights Day celebration of the Catholic Diocese of Awka. He commended the church for promoting the common good and standing against societal ills.
The governor specifically praised the Anambra Burial Law for eliminating extravagant displays, describing it as a measure that ensures “befitting living and decent burial” for citizens.
In a firm stance against religious exploitation, Soludo revealed an ongoing crackdown on “fake pastors” who prey on the vulnerable by preaching a “gospel of salvation without the cross.”
“As I speak now, several of them are already in custody and confessing,” he said. “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.”
The governor added: “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.”
He further charged the Knights to live by principles rather than titles, urging them to maintain their “human face” and prophetic voice by mingling with the people instead of isolating themselves as elites.
“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,” Soludo stated.
In a demonstration of fiscal discipline, the governor granted the Knights’ request for support for their charity visits to orphanages but declined a request for public funds to sew uniforms for the group. He said he would not deploy state resources for private institutional regalia.
The event featured a Pontifical Mass celebrated by the Catholic Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor. The homily was delivered by the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Fr. Evaristus Iheanacho, who described knighthood as a process of sober reflection, stock-taking, and reckoning guided by strict tenets.
As part of the broader crackdown on deceptive practices, the state government has also arrested and prosecuted several native doctors. Among those apprehended is a Nnewi-based native doctor, Johnpaul Ezenagu, popularly known as “Mmuo Mmili Afulu Anya.” He was arrested by the Anambra State Agunechemba Strike Force over allegations of performing illegal rituals and supplying counterfeit currency to internet fraudsters.
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