Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has defended the ongoing crackdown on fake pastors as part of a broader mission to restore societal values and protect vulnerable residents from religious exploitation. Speaking at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Awka during the All Knights Day celebration of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, Soludo stated that several suspects had been arrested and were already in police custody, providing useful confessions to investigators. He described the exercise as a necessary step toward building a new Anambra free from deception and moral decay.
The governor emphasized that leadership requires courage to do what is right, urging political leaders and citizens to support reforms that uphold social integrity. He reiterated his administration's commitment to eliminating practices that erode cultural and ethical standards in the state. Soludo also commended the Catholic Diocese of Awka for its role in promoting the common good and resisting societal decline.
He referenced the Anambra Burial Law, which he said has successfully reduced excessive spending on funerals and encouraged modest, dignified burial practices. "The law has encouraged befitting living and decent burial for our people," Soludo stated. He approved support for charity visits by the Knights to orphanages and urged them to remain "the light of the world."
In his homily, Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, represented by Diocesan Secretary Rev. Fr. Evaristus Iheanacho, described knighthood as a call to discipline, accountability, and sober reflection. He urged the knights to serve with humility, avoid elitism, and remain connected to the people. "They must preserve their moral voice while remaining connected to society," he said.
Soludo enforces a crackdown on fake pastors while operating a state-sanctioned religious narrative through select church engagements. His administration determines which religious practices are legitimate while publicly aligning with specific clergy. This blurs the line between spiritual authority and state power in a way that benefits only approved religious figures. Ordinary citizens must now navigate not just spiritual deception, but state-backed religious influence.
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