Founder and CEO of Tilova for Africa Martins Nwabueze has urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State to tread carefully in his ongoing crackdown on native doctors in the state.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday in Awka, Mr Nwabueze criticised the Anambra government’s approach, particularly its demand for native doctors to provide proof of their ability to cure ailments as a measure of their authenticity.
The crackdown comes amid concerns over the involvement of native doctors in the rise of criminal activities in the state. However, Nwabueze, who is also the founder of the US-based Charity and Equal Rights Group, argued that the government’s approach was misguided, as it failed to distinguish between the various roles native doctors play in traditional Igbo society.
“Not all native doctors are herbalists or traditional medicine practitioners,” Nwabueze explained. “In traditional Igbo culture, a ‘Dibia’ (witch doctor) often specializes in divination and may not necessarily treat ailments. It is this confusion that has led to the misconception that every Dibia must prove what disease they cure to be considered genuine.”
Nwabueze emphasised the need for the government to profile traditional practitioners based on their specific areas of specialisation rather than treating them as a homogenous group.
He further stated that any individual linked to criminal activities should be prosecuted based on evidence, regardless of their status, religion or social inclination.
“What makes them suspects? I am worried that native doctors are being unfairly targeted by the Soludo administration. Who are the judges to separate quacks from experts? What qualifications determine whether a Dibia is legitimate?” he asked.
The activist also called for practical measures to address youth involvement in crime and drug abuse, which he described as a pressing issue in the state. He proposed initiatives such as leadership by example, job creation, public enlightenment campaigns, and combating corruption and illicit drug circulation.
According to Nwabueze, arresting and detaining online native doctors who create content does little to address the root causes of crime and drug abuse among youths in Anambra.
“We must stop persecuting traditional religion practitioners simply because they are a minority. It is unfair and unjust,” he said.
