Renowned constitutional lawyer, Prince Orji Nwafor-Orizu, has voiced strong opposition to Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s recent clampdown on native doctors, describing it as intimidation and a violation of their fundamental rights.
Speaking to journalists in his Abuja law chambers on Tuesday, the legal expert criticized Soludo’s approach, insisting that the governor must adhere to due process rather than taking arbitrary actions against traditional healers.
Soludo’s administration recently launched a campaign targeting native doctors accused of aiding criminal activities, particularly those allegedly providing charms to kidnappers, armed robbers, and individuals involved in money rituals. However, Nwafor-Orizu argued that this move, if not properly executed, could lead to injustice and an infringement on the rights of innocent traditional practitioners.
“The rule of law must be followed,” he stressed. “An accused person remains innocent until proven guilty. The governor cannot simply lump all native doctors together and treat them as criminals. They have rights, just like other religious groups, and should not be subjected to harassment or persecution.”
Concerns Over Rights Violations
The lawyer, who hails from Nnewi in Anambra State, expressed concern that the government’s actions could unfairly demonize traditional healers, many of whom provide valuable services to communities. He pointed out that native doctors have long played a role in treating illnesses and offering spiritual guidance to those in need.
“What exactly do native doctors have to do with aiding armed robbers?” Nwafor-Orizu asked. “Are they supplying them with guns or weapons? If there are specific individuals engaged in illegal activities, the government should go after them individually rather than launching a broad crackdown.”
He warned against adopting a heavy-handed approach similar to the infamous Bakassi era, during which vigilante-style crackdowns led to widespread human rights abuses. According to him, targeting individuals with evidence against them is the correct legal approach, rather than engaging in what could be perceived as a witch-hunt against a particular group.
Government Responds to Criticism
The Anambra State Government has clarified that Governor Soludo’s measures are not aimed at all native doctors, but rather those found to be complicit in criminal activities. Officials maintain that the initiative is a security strategy to curb rising cases of crime linked to the use of charms and spiritual fortifications by criminals.
Despite this clarification, Nwafor-Orizu emphasized that any government action must be backed by lawful procedures. “Even if a native doctor is suspected of wrongdoing, he should be properly investigated and prosecuted in a court of law, not arbitrarily punished,” he asserted.
The debate over the role of native doctors in society remains a sensitive one. While many Nigerians rely on traditional medicine for health and spiritual reasons, concerns persist over its misuse by individuals engaging in crime. Soludo’s administration has the challenging task of ensuring public safety without violating the rights of legitimate traditional practitioners.
As discussions continue, legal experts and civil rights advocates are urging the Anambra State Government to ensure fairness and transparency in its actions. Many believe that an indiscriminate crackdown could set a dangerous precedent and erode trust in the legal system.
For now, all eyes remain on how Soludo will navigate this issue, balancing security concerns with respect for human rights and the rule of law.
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