The Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has called on leaders and the laity council to embody the courage required for societal transformation, insisting that governance and knighthood must prioritise the right path for societal development.
Soludo also revealed an ongoing crackdown on “fake pastors” who exploit the vulnerable by preaching a gospel of “salvation without the cross,” confirming that several of them are already in custody and confessing.
The governor stated this when he spoke at St. Patrick’s Cathedral during the All Knights Day of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, on Sunday.
He commended the church leadership for fostering a spirit of “common good” and praised the diocese for standing firm against societal ills.
He specifically highlighted the success of the Anambra Burial Law, noting that by eliminating expensive pomp and pageantry display, the state is ensuring a “befitting living and decent burial” for its citizens.
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.”
In a firm demonstration of fiscal discipline, Soludo granted a request from the Knights to support their charity visits to orphanages but declined a request for public funds to sew uniforms.
He stated that he would not deploy state resources for purchasing 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 also cautioned against elitist isolation, charging the Knights to mingle with the people and preserve their “human face” and prophetic voice in the community.
The event, which featured a Pontifical Mass celebrated by the Catholic Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, had the homily delivered by the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Fr. Evaristus Iheanacho, who reflected on the work of the Holy Spirit, describing knighthood as a process of “sober reflection, stock-taking, and reckoning” governed by strict tenets and precepts.
PUNCH Online reports that as part of the crackdown, the state government has also arrested and prosecuted several native doctors.
Among them 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 performing illegal rituals and supplying counterfeit currency to internet fraudsters.
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