Excerpt
“Good evening father! I just called your two numbers after listening to your so called “prophetic” outbursts— prophesying about “Fulani herdsmen” with tribal marks invading government house Awka and having me running out in pool of blood as well as loudly complaining about the waste disposal. You called on me to pray as well as asked your congregation to pray for my life….
1) As an orthodox Catholic, I was brought up not to join issues with any man of God. I have been in the public arena for two decades and I appreciate comments and criticisms from the citizens including the men of God. I welcome your comments, advice and even criticisms. Such help us to do better— as we are certainly not perfect! This would be the first time I am responding to any comments from a man of God. And I do so with utmost respect and good faith. Certainly as a priest, you have monopoly power of the pulpit but I also believe that such a monopoly demands a responsibility on your part to exercise caution and maturity in how you use such power.
2) I am writing you, in the exercise of my duty (as a member of your Laity) to also advise you—- but not publicly on the pulpit as you chose to do.
3) On your prophecy, you are certainly entitled to claim that you “saw” anything, and to call for prayers. I need all the prayers in the world and I believe that thousands of people of goodwill are praying for us and for Anambra. I am convinced that the God I worship who has sent me on this mission will lead us to finish it to His glory! My life is in His hands and He already knows how many more days or years He has for me. No man has a say regarding His plan for my life. I don’t believe these political or phantom “prophecies” designed to play to the gallery. That’s not my upbringing and faith as a Catholic. You have my contact and assuming that anything was “revealed” to you as a threat to my life, do you really believe that the best way to communicate it is on your pulpit??? By the way, God didn’t “reveal” to you the attack by unknown gun men on me last year at a rally, killing three policemen; nor has He “revealed” to you any of the dozens of the attacks on innocent people this year so that the people may take caution or pray?? Funny enough these “pulpit prophecies” are always about high public officials. I have lived my life to this age without needing or relying on “prophecies”, and it is too late now to change. My prayer is simply: “Let your will be done”. So please, if you have further “revelations” just pray about them or keep them to yourself— I don’t want to know because the God in heaven that I serve is totally in charge of my life!
4) Your comments about waste in the streets are welcome and we are equally sad about it. That’s why since inauguration we have set out cleaning the streets and now putting in place (for the first time in the state) a medium term sustainable strategy. However we find your comments to be in bad faith because you failed to acknowledge that we met a far worse situation nor acknowledge the ongoing efforts— which many acknowledge. I personally flagged off the cleaning of Onitsha and Okpoko and photos of me on top of refuse dump that closed Ochanga and as high as the traffic light adorned the social media… Most places had not been cleaned in over 6 months before I assumed office. Of course with no equipment and strategy in place, we have adopted “emergency response” approach while working out details of a sustainable strategy… Surprisingly you didn’t complain on the pulpit then!
5) Your comments on insecurity is fair but again failed to acknowledge the humongous efforts being made to confront the monster — which many Ndi Anambra do. No candidate could campaign freely in the entire south senatorial zone last year with the zone totally taken over by unknown gunmen. No one heard your voice. I was almost a victim. No one heard your voice. In my inaugural address I devoted paragraphs to address the issue. And Ndi Anambra from all over the world are calling in solidarity and offering support. I wish God will also “reveal” to you the identity of the criminals so that we take them out. I know that you are a man of God and I deeply respect all of God’s anointed but making incendiary and wild claims about security under the cover of the pulpit should be moderated. In your “revelations” you “saw” Fulani herdsmen “with tribal marks”—- Fulani with tribal marks??? Funny! In the next second they are “unknown gun men” and another second “Fulani with tribal marks”??
Father I expect you to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. We admire you and the thousands of your followers deserve leadership and direction. Matters of security should not be part of the drama! We expect you to encourage your supporters to report criminals and to be part of the solution. Or, if you don’t know the full ramifications of the security challenge, to call or request to be briefed. The society and the Church are facing existential threats and this is not the time for theatrics with the matter of security.
6) I have been in office for two months. Yes, two months father, and you expect Anambra to have been “Dubai-rized” according to you. Doesn’t it sound funny? If I may ask, what was the motive of the entire drama ? Let me assure you father that the God who sent me at this time knows why and He will perfect all things. We are determined and focused and despite the humongous challenges we met, Anambra will win! I have God’s promise on this.
Remain ever blessed father.
About Author
Our governor’s reply is in order. Also a believer in the Catholic faith, this is the time to pray unceasingly to god to grant strength, wisdom and knowledge to all in the high position of authority to do so and to support the new governor in his efforts. I also agree that constructive criticism is good but in this instance it is too early. Governor Soludo has a tremendous task to overcome and our state Anambra is one of the most difficult to govern. I appeal o all, in the interest of stability to support the governor, bury our differences and he will perform. From my side as a very old man with good exposure in world affairs and even though I have never met Soludo, my own spirit has revealed to me that he will bring a lot of progress to our people in many areas of our living together.
Agreed Sir, thank you for your wise comments.
Soludo replied is too harsh. He should learn how to tolerate people’s criticism of his government.
As for Ebube muonso prophesy, I don’t believe this clergymen incessant prophesy.
As for WASTE in Anambra State, it’s becoming alarming, every Street in Nkpor, Onitsha, Obosi, Ogbunike, some part of Awka are filled with waste. Take a walk to Building material Ogidi, People’s Club Nkpor, Tarzan Nkpor , New Tyre market, Ifeadigo Hall oldroad Nkpor, our Ladies Nkpor and many other places numerous to mention.
The Governor’s Statement that waste was there before he took over was a big lies. Obiano did very well in waste management. Non disposals of waste started immediately soludo entered the government.
We need solution not getting Angry at criticism. We need Action Governor not Grammar teacher.
You are very right.
I am so surprised and disappointed that he took offense at Ebube monso’s criticism.
He is not busy, if he have time to write all that to Ebube muonso.
I sincerely think Soludo should wake up, he should not govern Anambra State with mouth and, promises, he should talk less and do more.
Until now nothing serious is happening in the ministries.
Most offices are still not functional. Why? How long will we wait? He should ensure that his subordinates are doing what they are supposed to do.
Soludo, contract companies to clean up Anambra State. Empower ministry of environment to do their job.
Be more organized.
The Solution governor beguiles me. I wish more “educated” folks were at the helm in Nigeria. Nigeria will do away with charlatanry and mischief in its affairs, the country will not be held hostage by ignorance, and the march to a progressive nation will be perfected????????????♂️
Well stated my senior.
Dude religious sentiment is why Nigeria is going down. The reply was so polite that my respect for the Governor has increased. If you have nothing to say be quiet. God will surely judge all. Our God is not a confusing God. Read between the lines. If can have the ability.
#if you have the ability
Well stated Brother, you are correct on all points.
A most appropriate response by HE Prof. Soludo. I am in total support and agreement.
All well meaning hands must be on deck to support his rightful and noble agenda to bring glory and economic development to Anambra state.
All previous governors have failed to do this but having listened to Prof. Soludo as a student at UNN in the ’80’s, I am confident that he will fulfill his stated lifelong dream of making Anambra and one day Nigeria, a better place for all.
The enemies of progress will be easily identified by their utterances.
May the Almighty continue to guide, bless and protect Soludo and may our good ancestors be with him.
Right reply from the governor. We don’t need confusion at this point of our challenge. Soludo I’m sure will not fail to meet up with the expectations of ndi Anambra at the long run.
The Almighty will continue to bless and protect the Governor the lord that brought him will take care of him and the state if any man of God sees anything they should pray and stand in the gap for him and the state it’s damn to early to judge him or compare him with Obiano we are all praying for him and Anambra state Gods blessing of bringing Prof soludo will never be a curse in Jesus mighty name
You are very right.
I am so surprised and disappointed that he took offense at Ebube monso’s criticism.
He is not busy, if he have time to write all that to Ebube muonso.
I sincerely think Soludo should wake up, he should not govern Anambra State with mouth and, promises, he should talk less and do more.
Until now nothing serious is happening in the ministries.
Most offices are still not functional. Why? How long will we wait? He should ensure that his subordinates are doing what they are supposed to do.
Soludo, contract companies to clean up Anambra State. Empower ministry of environment to do their job.
Be more organized.