The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, has said that the state Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, only declared war on “fake” and “devilish” native doctors involved in criminalities such as preparing charms for kidnappers and gunmen.
Soludo, during a function in the state recently, declared war on native doctors due to the increasing criminalities in the state, and the declaration generated panic among the native and traditional doctors across the state.
In a press statement on Saturday, Mefor said clarification as regards the governor’s stance on native doctors became necessary so as to douse the tension and panic it is generating across the state.
Mefor said those genuinely practicing the trade have nothing to fear from Soludo’s declaration while insisting that fake native doctors involved in criminal activities must be exposed and brought to justice as a way of sanitizing the practice.
“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.
“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.
