Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, has declined a request by Catholic Knights for the state government to fund the sewing of uniforms for their members.
According to Soludo, public funds cannot be deployed for private institutional regalia belonging to Catholic Knights or any similar group.
The governor, however, approved their request for support towards charity visits to orphanage homes.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Christian Aburime, Soludo made the remarks while speaking at St. Patrick’s Cathedral during the All Knights Day celebration of the Catholic Diocese of Awka.
He urged the Knights to remain the “light of the world and the salt of the earth” by living according to principles and values rather than merely bearing titles.
Soludo also called on both leaders and the laity to demonstrate the courage needed for societal transformation, insisting that governance and knighthood must always choose the right path over the easy one.
The governor commended the leadership of the church for promoting the spirit of the “common good” and praised the diocese for standing firmly against societal ills.
He specifically highlighted the success of the Anambra Burial Law, noting that by curbing excessive pomp and pageantry associated with burials, the state is promoting “befitting living and decent burial” for its citizens.
Soludo further revealed that the government is intensifying its crackdown on “fake pastors” who allegedly exploit vulnerable people by preaching what he described as “salvation without the cross.”
He disclosed that several suspects are already in custody and making confessional statements.
He stressed that the vision of a “New Anambra” must be built on integrity and be free from deception, while reinforcing the church’s teaching on the dignity of hard work.
The event featured a Pontifical Mass celebrated by the Catholic Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor.
The homily was delivered by the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Fr. Evaristus Iheanacho, who reflected on the work of the Holy Spirit and described knighthood as a process of “sober reflection, stock-taking, and reckoning” guided by strict tenets and principles.
He reminded the Knights that genuine love for Christ is expressed through obedience to His commandments, discipline, humility, and courage.
Rev. Fr. Iheanacho also cautioned against elitist isolation, urging the Knights to remain connected with the people and preserve their “human face” and prophetic voice within the community.
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