The Plight of Anambra Indigenes on Death Row and the Fight Against Deceptive Practices
Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, recently brought to light a disturbing reality: 23 indigenes of the state face execution in Indonesia for drug-related offenses. This revelation came during an address to a group of All Progressives Congress (APC) members who defected to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in support of Soludo’s re-election bid. The governor attributed this tragic situation to the pervasive influence of fraudulent native doctors who prey on the vulnerabilities of young people, deceiving them into believing that charms can provide immunity from security checks while smuggling illicit substances.
These charlatans, according to Soludo, perpetuate the false notion that their concoctions can blind airport scanners, leading unsuspecting youths to engage in high-risk criminal activities with devastating consequences. Many Anambra indigenes now languish in jails worldwide due to such misleading beliefs. Soludo issued a stern warning to these perpetrators, declaring that anyone caught propagating such deceptive claims would face arrest. He highlighted the irony of these self-proclaimed spiritualists, pointing out their inability to even improve their own lives, let alone grant supernatural powers to others.
The governor cited the example of a detained native doctor whose own son works as a waiter in a hotel, questioning why such supposed powers couldn’t elevate his son’s status. He also mentioned another arrested individual who confessed to being a mere content creator, yet managed to deceive numerous young people with promises of effortless wealth through rituals. Soludo lamented the corrosive impact of these beliefs on the mindset of the state’s youth, leading them to embrace a culture of leisure and gambling with their future, hoping for unearned riches.
Soludo clarified that the state’s stance isn’t against traditional religion itself. Rather, it’s a targeted effort to curb dangerous practices masquerading as spirituality. He drew a distinction between genuine traditional worshippers, who historically upheld moral values and believed in divine consequences for wrongdoing, and the new breed of "criminal native doctors." These latter individuals, he emphasized, operate on deceit, and the government is resolute in preventing their exploitation of vulnerable youth.
The governor expressed concern over the erosion of traditional values, where the fear of divine retribution once served as a deterrent against misconduct. He highlighted the contrast with the current wave of deceitful practices, where individuals are lured into criminal activities with false promises of protection and prosperity. Soludo stressed that the state government is committed to eradicating these harmful influences and restoring a sense of responsibility and ethical behavior within the community.
The fight against these deceptive practices is not simply about upholding the law; it’s about protecting the future of Anambra’s youth. By exposing the fraudulent nature of these claims and holding perpetrators accountable, Soludo aims to create an environment where young people are empowered to pursue legitimate opportunities and build a brighter future for themselves and the state. He emphasized the importance of hard work, integrity, and genuine spiritual development over shortcuts and deceptive practices. The state’s efforts aim to dismantle the network of deceit that preys on vulnerable youth, ultimately fostering a culture of responsibility and opportunity in Anambra.
