Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has vowed a sustained crackdown on what he described as “fake pastors” allegedly exploiting vulnerable residents under the guise of religious ministry, insisting that several suspects are already in custody and making confessional statements.
Soludo also urged church leaders and members of the laity to demonstrate courage in driving societal transformation, stressing that governance and religious knighthood must be guided by integrity and commitment to the common good.
The governor spoke on Sunday at St. Patrick’s Cathedral during the All Knights Day celebration of the Catholic Diocese of Awka.
He commended the Catholic Church for its contributions to moral discipline and social order, noting that the diocese had remained consistent in promoting values that support responsible governance and societal progress.
According to him, the state government has intensified efforts to rid Anambra of fraudulent religious operators who preach what he called a “gospel of salvation without the cross.”
“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,” Soludo said.
He maintained that the administration was committed to building “a new Anambra” rooted in discipline, hard work and accountability, warning against messages that encourage shortcuts to wealth or success.
“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,” he added.
The governor further charged church knights and leaders to remain active within their communities rather than isolating themselves, saying their influence should be reflected in service and moral leadership.
“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 said.
Soludo also cautioned against elitism within religious circles, urging members of the Knights to maintain humility and remain connected to ordinary citizens.
He noted that while government would support faith-based charitable initiatives, it would not fund private institutional privileges, including the procurement of uniforms for religious groups.
“The Knights must remain the light of the world and the salt of the earth by living through principles rather than mere titles,” he said.
The event featured a Pontifical Mass presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, with a homily delivered by the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Fr. Evaristus Iheanacho, who emphasised discipline and moral accountability in religious service.
Meanwhile, the state government has in recent months expanded its enforcement actions against alleged spiritualists and native doctors accused of fraudulent and criminal activities.
Among those earlier arrested is a Nnewi-based native doctor, Johnpaul Ezenagu, popularly known as “Mmuo Mmili Afulu Anya,” who was picked up by the Anambra State security outfit over allegations of ritual practices and involvement in counterfeit currency schemes linked to internet fraudsters.
