The Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has declined a request by Catholic Knights for the state government to fund the sewing of regalia for their members.
Soludo insisted that public funds cannot be deployed for private institutional regalia belonging to Catholic Knights or any similar group.
The governor made the remarks while speaking at St. Patrick’s Cathedral during the All Knights Day celebration of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, on Sunday.
He, however, granted the request from the Knights to support their charity visits to orphanages, but declined the request for public funds to sew uniforms.
He said, “I will not deploy state resources for purchasing of private institutional regalia. The Knights must remain the light of the world and the salt of the earth by living through principles rather than mere titles.
“True love for Christ is found in keeping His commandments through discipline, humility, and courage.
“Leaders of the church and the laity must demonstrate the courage needed for societal transformation, governance and knighthood must always choose the right path over the easy one.
He also cautioned against elitist isolation, charging the Knights to mingle with the people and preserve their “human face” and prophetic voice in the community.
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 State 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.
