Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has declared a decisive crackdown on fake pastors who exploit the vulnerable by promoting a “gospel of salvation without the cross.”
The Governor made the declaration on Sunday while speaking at St. Patrick’s Cathedral during the All Knights Day celebration of the Catholic Diocese of Awka. He revealed that several fake pastors are already in custody and confessing as part of the ongoing operation.
“We have commenced an ongoing crackdown on fake pastors who exploit the vulnerable by preaching a gospel of ‘salvation without the cross’. As I speak now, several of them are already in custody and confessing,” Governor Soludo stated.
He emphasized that a new Anambra is emerging one that is clean and free from deception while reinforcing the Church’s teaching that hard work, rather than shortcuts or miracles, leads to genuine progress.
Governor Soludo commended the leadership of the Catholic Diocese of Awka for their commitment to the common good and for standing firmly against societal ills. He also highlighted the success of the Anambra Burial Law, which has eliminated wasteful pomp and pageantry, ensuring befitting living standards and decent burials for citizens.
The Governor called on church leaders and the Laity Council to demonstrate the courage needed for societal transformation. He urged that governance and knighthood must prioritize the right path for development instead of taking easy routes.
“The Knights must remain the light of the world and the salt of the earth by living through principles rather than mere titles,” he added. “True love for Christ is found in keeping His commandments through discipline, humility, and courage.”
Governor Soludo further charged the Knights to avoid elitist isolation, mingle with the people, and maintain their prophetic voice in the community. In a demonstration of fiscal discipline, he approved support for the Knights’ charity visits to orphanages but declined the use of public funds for sewing private institutional uniforms.
The state government is also intensifying efforts against native doctors and other elements enabling criminality, as part of broader initiatives to build a secure and prosperous Anambra.
Governor Soludo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnering with genuine religious institutions to promote moral values, hard work, and sustainable development across the state.