Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has once again underlined his administration’s unwavering resolve to address the root causes of insecurity in the state, rather than merely pursuing criminal elements on the surface. The Governor made this strong declaration at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, where he was presented with a Good Governance Award by Vanguard Media Limited.
Reflecting on his tenure since assuming office, Governor Soludo recalled that seven local government areas in Anambra South were under the control of non-state actors. Nearly three years on, though challenges remain, he expressed optimism that his comprehensive security strategy, aimed at dismantling the breeding grounds of criminality, is beginning to bear fruit.
Homeland Security and ‘Udo Ga Achi’ Initiative
A key part of Soludo’s efforts is the introduction of the ‘Udo Ga Achi’ security outfit, with Agunechemba as its operational wing, following the passage of the Homeland Security Law by the State House of Assembly.
Armed with modern patrol vehicles and technology, this security force has intensified raids on criminal hideouts across the state, particularly targeting fraudsters disguised as pastors and native doctors.
Governor Soludo pointed out that these so-called religious and traditional figures lure youths into crime by promising them supernatural shortcuts to wealth. He described the damaging impact of these practices on families, revealing that many mothers had expressed heartbreak over their children, who despite being raised with proper values, fell prey to these deceitful schemes.
Crackdown on Get-Rich-Quick Preachers and Native Doctors
The Governor openly condemned the rise of “prosperity preachers” and fake native doctors who exploit young people’s desperation for quick wealth.
He criticized religious leaders who collect offerings and claim God will miraculously double money, as well as native doctors who convince youths they can smuggle drugs past security undetected — a deception that has landed many Nigerians in foreign jails.
Soludo cited a particularly troubling case involving a native doctor whose own child works as a hotel waiter, while the man falsely promised others supernatural wealth. “If their powers were real, why couldn’t they make their children millionaires?” he asked.
Upholding True Igbo Values
Challenging the cultural defense often offered for these practices, Soludo clarified that the criminal activities being masked as “tradition” are a distortion of Igbo heritage. True traditional religion, he said, upholds values, integrity, and discipline — qualities his administration seeks to restore.
He also highlighted environmental abuse by these spiritual fraudsters, accusing them of poisoning community water sources with ritual materials, endangering lives for selfish gain.
A Divine Mandate for Positive Change
Governor Soludo wrapped up his remarks by reaffirming his belief that his leadership position is a divine calling, and he is determined to leave Anambra better than he met it.
He encouraged patience and vigilance from the public as his administration works to cleanse the state of criminal deception and promote a future anchored on hard work, enterprise, and integrity.
In his words:
“I am a die-hard optimist. I applied for this job because I believe God placed me here at this point in history. On Judgment Day, we will all be asked how we used our opportunities to make the world better.”
His administration’s anti-crime measures, including the ongoing crackdown on fraudulent spiritualists, signal a determined and proactive push toward sustainable peace and the restoration of moral values in Anambra State.
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