War Against “Arrangee” Miracles: Soludo Is Right
By Tony Okafor
Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s decision to confront fraudulent religious practices in Anambra State is a courageous step that deserves commendation rather than condemnation.
The recent arraignment of eight pastors under the provisions of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law has reignited a national conversation on the place of religion in society and the responsibility of government to protect citizens from deception.
Nigeria is a secular state. While every citizen is guaranteed the constitutional right to worship according to his or her beliefs, that freedom does not extend to criminality, fraud, manipulation, or the exploitation of vulnerable people under the guise of religion.
When faith becomes a tool for extortion, indolence, deceit, and the promotion of unrealistic expectations, government intervention becomes not only necessary but imperative.
One of the most troubling features of contemporary Nigeria is the growing culture of miracle dependency.
Thousands of able-bodied citizens spend days and nights in prayer camps, churches, and miracle centres seeking instant wealth, supernatural breakthroughs, and shortcuts to success.
Instead of investing in education, skills acquisition, innovation, and hard work, many are encouraged to believe that prosperity can be obtained through “seed sowing,” prophetic declarations, and staged miracles.
In most advanced societies, religion exists but does not dominate public life to the extent of discouraging enterprise and critical thinking. Citizens of countries such as Japan, Germany, Singapore, and South Korea do not routinely abandon productivity in pursuit of miracle merchants. Their progress is driven by science, technology, research, innovation, and disciplined institutions.
The technological advancement witnessed across the developed world was not achieved through endless miracle crusades, but through education, experimentation, and the disciplined application of knowledge.
Soludo’s action therefore goes beyond law enforcement. It is an attempt to reorient society towards productivity and rational thinking. If sustained, the campaign could reduce fraud, ritual-related crimes, and the dangerous get-rich-quick mentality that has ensnared many young people.
A society that rewards hard work rather than magical thinking is more likely to prosper.
However, for this crusade to enjoy widespread credibility, it must be pursued without fear or favour. Government scrutiny should extend beyond small churches and ministries to include major religious institutions where evidence of deception or criminality may also exist. Selective enforcement would undermine public confidence and create the impression that some actors are above the law.
Ultimately, genuine religion has nothing to fear . Faith that promotes honesty, industry, compassion, and moral responsibility remains a vital force for social development. But religion that thrives on fear, manipulation, and “arrangee” miracles deserves the attention of the law.
Governor Soludo has opened a difficult but necessary chapter in the fight against ignorance and exploitation. If pursued fairly and consistently, history may well judge it as one of the boldest social reforms of his administration.
Laborare est orare — to work is to pray.
