The article “Ebube Muonso, Fake Prophets, and Insecurity,” by Law Mefor, PhD, addresses the growing wave of insecurity in Anambra, attributing much of the problem to the influence of charismatic religious figures. While the rise of prosperity preachers and miracle merchants might undeniably have adverse effects on society, the argument overlooks a more fundamental issue. The basic responsibility of the government is to provide security and maintain order. The failure of governance, and not the actions of religious figures, must be held accountable for the rising insecurity in Anambra.

At the heart of the issue is the premise that religious figures are the primary agents behind the state’s criminal activity. In contrast, their teachings may be untoward for the faint-hearted, who might interpret them to mean that manna will fall from heaven. However, attributing the growing insecurity to these figures ignores the reality that governance should be the first defence against crime. Governor Soludo, the Chief Security Officer of Anambra, is entrusted with ensuring Ndi Anambra’s peace, safety, and well-being. Therefore, the blame for Anambra’s insecurity must fall directly on his administration for failing to fulfil its core responsibility.

In the governance context, it is essential to recognise that leadership should provide stability, security, and a conducive environment for prosperity and industry. As Proverbs 29:2 states, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked bear rule, the people mourn.” Governor Soludo’s administration has not lived up to this biblical standard, as evidenced by the widespread insecurity that now afflicts the state. The insecurity in Anambra cannot be blamed on religious leaders alone. It must be addressed as a failure of governance and leadership.

Soludo’s tenure is marked by a failure to engage in governance. Instead, he spent his early years in office engaging in public disputes and criticisms rather than focusing on pressing security and governance issues. It is also important to note that Ebube Muonso had long held his ministry in Anambra, even before Soludo assumed office. Under previous administrations, Anambra did not experience the level of insecurity today. This suggests that the root cause of the current crisis is not the presence of religious figures like Muonso but rather the failure of leadership at the highest levels of government.

The rise in criminal activity, such as ritual killings, armed robbery, and kidnapping, can be traced back not to religious teachings but to the environment of poverty, unemployment, and despair created by ineffective governance. With the government failing to provide opportunities or security, many young people have turned to desperate measures, including following false prophets and engaging in criminal activities. This highlights the primary responsibility of the government: to create an environment where citizens do not feel compelled to resort to crime or the false hope offered by miracle merchants.

On the surface, Soludo’s response to the growing security crisis in Anambra may appear to be an attempt to address the situation. However, his delayed launch of “Operation Udo Ga-Achi” toward the twilight of his tenure raises questions about his commitment to the safety and well-being of Ndi Anambra. It is too little, too late. This last-minute initiative seems like a ship desperately trying to avoid an inevitable storm. Still, by waiting until the end of his term to act, Soludo proves that security has not been his priority from the outset.

This delay sharply contrasts with the proactive measures taken by his counterpart in Enugu State. Upon assuming office, the governor of Enugu launched an extensive security operation with state-of-the-art tracking gadgets and modern technology aimed at preempting crime and ensuring public safety. This swift, forward-thinking approach underscores a crucial difference in leadership styles.

Soludo has been provided with the necessary resources, including substantial security funds, which flow steadily into the state coffers each month. Yet, despite these ample provisions, the persistent rise in criminal activity paints a grim picture of failed governance. Anambra’s security issues are not rooted in a lack of funding but in a lack of vision, leadership, and a failure to act decisively when the people needed it most. Soludo’s failure to act early in his tenure should be viewed as personal accountability that cannot be swept under the rug or blamed on external factors, such as religious figures or other scapegoats.

The people of Anambra deserve leadership that prioritises their safety, not one that dithers or looks for excuses when the situation has already spiralled out of control. The question remains: will Soludo rise to the occasion, or will he let Anambra’s security be another casualty of missed opportunities and poor governance?

Soludo’s tenure cannot be deemed successful if his people continue to live in fear, with young people resorting to criminal activity without governance and opportunity.

It is essential to recognise that true spiritual and moral rejuvenation does not occur through coercion or manipulation but through providing a just and secure society. Prosperity, as the Bible says, comes through the work of one’s hands (Deuteronomy 28:12), but that work is made meaningful only when the environment in which one works is safe, just, and conducive to growth. This is where the government must step in: to create conditions where hard work, integrity, perseverance, and values the Igbo hold dear can bear fruit.

Blaming prophets, priests, or their followers cannot win the battle against insecurity in Anambra. It requires a leadership committed to delivering security, prosperity, and moral governance.

Soludo and other political leaders must acknowledge that their primary duty is to ensure the safety and well-being of their people. In doing so, they will create the conditions in which true prosperity can flourish and where the falsehoods of fake prophets will no longer have the fertile ground of despair to take root. This is the only true path to peace and prosperity in Anambra.

Onukwuli, PhD, wrote from Bolton, UK via [email protected]