The Anambra State Government has dismissed as false the fake news circulating on social media alleging that Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo plans to arrest and jail Catholic bishops and priests after his re-election in office for a second term.
The State’s Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, in a statement, described the story as false, baseless, and malicious, and that it is a deliberate act of misinformation aimed at causing tension and disrupting the peace in the state.
“This fabrication is clearly the handiwork of shadow opposition groups who have resorted to propaganda due to the collapse of their campaigns. They are advised to focus on their dwindling efforts,” the statement read.
Mefor stated that the state government assured the public, especially the Catholic Church, of which Governor Soludo is a staunch member, and its leaders, that Governor Soludo has no such plans or intentions.
The Commissioner, therefore, reaffirmed the administration’s respect for the rights and freedoms of all citizens, including religious leaders.
He urged the people of the state to disregard the report and always demand virtual evidence before accepting or sharing such inflammatory stories.
Mefor also reiterated the government’s commitment to sustaining its crackdown on fake native doctors, false spiritualists, fake clergymen and women, which has resulted in a campaign known as “Oso Soludo,” which must be sustained.
Furthermore, the state government has strongly affirmed that it will collaborate with the federal government to identify and eliminate certificate forgers from the state.
