The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, has clarified Governor Chukwuma Soludo‘s recent declaration of war on native doctors, stating that the move targets only “fake” practitioners involved in criminal activities, not genuine traditional healers.
The clarification came on Saturday following reports of panic among native and traditional doctors in the state after Soludo’s pronouncement during a recent function.
The governor had condemned the role of some native doctors in aiding criminalities, such as preparing charms for kidnappers and gunmen.
In a press statement, Mefor said the governor’s stance aims to sanitize the practice and expose those using traditional medicine as a front for illegal activities.
He emphasized that genuine practitioners of traditional medicine have nothing to fear, as the government recognizes their contributions to society.
He said, “For the sake of the unsuspecting public, I want to address the recent disinformation generated in some desperate quarters over Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s stance on native doctors.
“To set the record straight, Soludo never declared war on all native doctors but rather on fake and devilish native doctors involved in criminal activities.
“Concerned individuals and organisations have been investigating native doctors in the South-East and uncovered shocking revelations that reflect what Soludo is saying.
“Some native doctors are involved in preparing charms for kidnappers and armed robbers and are believed to be involved in evil practices that may not exclude human sacrifices for money and protection.
“These diabolical rituals have given rise to ‘Ego Mbute’, ‘Oke-Ite’ and ‘Yahoo Plus’ as well as idolatry, making a speedy return to Igbo socio-cultural life, Soludo, out of a sense of responsibility and responsiveness, has moved to root such diabolical and evil practices out, which have nothing to do with genuine traditional medicine or native doctors who are truly serving God and humanity.”
The commissioner said the governor has, therefore, emphasised the need to expose and deal decisively with native doctors aiding criminality, those promoting some esoteric practices alien to the Igbo culture of integrity, hard work, morality, and fear of God.
He added, “His stance is not a blanket condemnation of traditional medicine or all native doctors, but a targeted effort to root out those using so-called spiritual powers for criminal activities. They are misleading the youths and will turn the state into a soulless society if not stopped.
“The way forward requires greater clarity and understanding. We must recognise that not all native doctors are involved in criminal activities and that traditional medicine has a rich cultural heritage.
“So those genuinely practising the trade have nothing to fear from Soludo’s declaration. However, as we also acknowledge that fake native doctors are involved in criminal activities, they must be exposed and brought to justice as a way of sanitising the practice, rooting our criminality and preserving the state.”
According to him, the governor implores Ndi Anambra to work together with the state government to root out criminality and promote and uphold the culture of respect for human life, integrity, morality, hard work, and fear of God for which Ndi Anambra in particular and Ndi Igbo, in general, are reputed.
“Security is everybody’s business and not that of government alone. So, if you see something, hear something, say something,” the statement added.
