Regulating Religion in Nigeria — by Emeka Oparah

Recent reports that Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, arguably one of the most brilliant political leaders in Nigeria today, has expressed his intention to crackdown on “fake pastors”, have expectedly been eliciting mixed reactions.

For me, it’s straightforward and I am with Prof. Soludo on this like I was with him on his equally controversial crackdown on fake Dibias (Native Doctors) and wasteful burial practices, which seem to have eaten deep into the fabric of Anambra people, nay Igbos.

According to Gov. Soludo, it is important for religious leaders to promote hard work and societal transformation rather than encourage laziness and shortcuts to success.

While some diehard Christians are not unexpectedly up in arms with the Governor over his good intention, I hope all well meaning people of Anambra state will support their leader in this good move which will ultimately signal the regulation of religious practices in the country.

Given that the opportunities available in Nigeria are inversely proportional to the burgeoning population, some unscrupulous pastors, just like the fake Dibias, have cashed in on religion to exploit the vulnerability of the masses. This has to be stopped sooner rather than later.

The combination of fake Pastors and fake Dibias has wreaked havoc on the psychology of the youths misleading a great many of them into believing the falsehood that spiritual shortcuts exit on the normally rough road to success, wealth and greatness. The prevalence of ritual killing and the resurgence of idol worship are emblematic of this false beliefs.

Rwanda and Uganda have successfully demonstrated that religious activities can be regulated for the benefit of the people without detriment to the original, altruistic nature of their beliefs and practices. Same can be done in Anambra state and indeed in Nigeria!

Hopefully, in regulating religious practices, the government will not forget to commence the taxation of parts of their earnings. There is a lot of free money floating around the churches especially which has led to speculations that some of them are actively involved in money laundering and other unwholesome financial activities.

Of course instances abound of financial and other malpractices in some churches. As a matter of fact, some of the so called have openly dabbled into obscure business and political activities!

Perhaps, this will also be an opportunity to stop the wasteful government spending on pilgrimages to Mecca and Jerusalem. Nigeria is a secular nation and religion should be a personal priority not the state’s. We should discontinue the seemingly politically motivated state funding of pilgrimages.

What’s left for me at this point is to thank Chukwuma Soludo for daring to rouse this sleeping lion. Someone must bell the cat and this high-minded gentleman has stepped up to the plate. He deserves our commendation and support, more importantly.