Defending Our Heritage: Gov. Soludo’s Misstep On Native Doctors

Recent actions by the Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, have raised eyebrows, with many questioning his priorities. Instead of tackling the menace of foreign religion pastors and others who exploit and extort innocent citizens through psychological banditry, Soludo has been cracking down on traditional native doctors in general. Though, I stand with him in his pursuit to get rid of criminal native doctors and those whose activities proliferate crimes through false charms that give criminals confidence in carrying out their nefarious activities. But that does not make him right in throwing the useful and innocent baby out with the bathwater.

Native herbal doctors are an integral part of our traditional practices and have played vital roles in our communities for centuries. They provide essential services, including healings through herbs, counseling, and moral guidance. By targeting them in general, Soludo risks undermining the very fabric of our historical heritage. Government should look for a way to refine and boost their contributions to our societies through researching and knowledge sharing empowerments and the promotion of home made solutions.

Meanwhile, the real culprits, the foreign religion pastors among others who exploit, brainwash, and extort our people through false hopes and promises and continue to operate with impunity are left unchecked. They encourage crimes through the forgiveness of all sins claims and prey on the vulnerable, promising them a magical help from, and access to an imaginary “city in the sky full of gold” that can only be accessed after death. They use manipulative tactics to extract money and resources from their followers, causing financial hardship, emotional distress and disunity in divert forms, especially as each of their fashions or denominations see others as form of satanism.

Soludo targeting all native doctors in Anambra is throwing away the baby with the bathwater. Instead of protecting our cultural heritage, he is inadvertently perpetuating the notion that our traditions are inferior to foreign influences, which are in all ramifications nothing but colonial settings to lock up our critical thinking within a circle of thought (Mental Slave Chain). This is a slap in the face to our ancestors and the rich cultural legacy they left behind.

It is time for Soludo to rethink his approach and prioritize the preservation of our cultural heritage which includes: Recognizing the positive value of traditional medical practices; acknowledging the importance of native herbalists who are traditional healers in our communities; regulating foreign religious preachers who claim to be solving people’s problems through stage managed magical miracles while exploiting them in disguise; holding these groups accountable for their actions and ensuring they do not exploit our people; and preserving our traditions, natural healing patterns and cultural practices for future generations.

In contrast, native doctors who are criminals and those found to be encouraging crime or engage in the exploitation of our people through con activities in the same vein with false preachers of colonially fueled religions should be arrested and charged to court, just like any other citizen who breaks the law. This approach would ensure that our cultural heritage is respected while also protecting citizens from harm.

Soludo’s misstep of condemning all native doctors is an opportunity for us to reclaim our heritage and assert our cultural identity. Let us stand together and demand that our governor prioritizes our cultural heritage.

– Ambassador Ezewele Cyril Abionanojie is the author of the book ‘The Enemy Called Corruption’ an award winner of Best Columnist of the year 2020, Giant in Security Support, Statesmanship Integrity & Productivity Award Among others. He is the President of Peace Ambassador Global.