Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has dismissed as false and baseless alleged plans to arrest and jail Catholic bishops and priests after his re-election.

It was reported that the Anambra governorship election is due on Saturday, November 8, 2025, with Soludo seeking re-election on the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) platform, contesting against about 16 other candidates.

The Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, in a statement on Tuesday, described the report as a clear example of misinformation and fake news designed to create tension and undermine the peaceful atmosphere in the state.

While insisting the governor had no such plans or intentions, Mefor clarified that the government has respect for rights and freedoms of all citizens, including religious leaders.

He reassured the government’s commitment to continue to fight against fake native doctors, fake ndi eze nwanyi, and fake clergymen and women, which has resulted in ‘Oso Soludo,’ and must be sustained.

“The attention of the Anambra State Government has been drawn to a fabricated story circulating in some media outlets, alleging that Governor Chukwuma Soludo plans to arrest and jail Catholic bishops and priests after his re-election.

“We categorically state that this report is entirely false, baseless, and malicious. This fabrication is a clear example of misinformation and fake news designed to create tension and undermine the peaceful atmosphere in the state. 

“Obviously, a handiwork of shadow opposition who have dwelt essentially on propaganda for want of campaign materials, they are advised to face their fizzling campaigns.

“The Anambra State Government, therefore, assures the public, particularly the Catholic Church of which Soludo is a staunch member, and its leaders that Governor Soludo has no such plans or intentions. 

“The government respects the rights and freedoms of all citizens, including religious leaders. We urge Ndị Anambra to disregard this false report and always demand virtual evidence before accepting or sharing such inflammatory stories.

“Meanwhile, the Solution Government remains committed to continuing the fight against fake native doctors, fake ndi eze nwanyi, and fake clergymen and women, which has resulted in ‘Oso Soludo,’ and it must be sustained.

“Furthermore, the Anambra State Government will collaborate with the Federal Government to fish out and rid the state of certificate forgers,” the statement read.