Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s Religious Sanitisation in Anambra State: A Blessing or Burden 51 19

Abstract

This study examines Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s religious sanitisation in Anambra State, with particular attention to whether the policy constitutes a blessing or a burden to religious life and society in the state. The study specifically explores the reasons for the policy, examines its perceived benefits in promoting public order, curbing religious exploitation and protecting the environment, and assesses the concerns it raises regarding religious freedom and cultural practices. The study adopts Conflict Theory as its theoretical framework to analyse the tensions between government regulation, religious freedom and societal interests. The study finds that religious sanitisation has the potential to promote accountability, reduce harmful religious practices and contribute to public order. However, concerns remain regarding possible infringement onreligious rights, interference with indigenous practices and the risk of selective enforcement. The study concludes that the policy can be beneficial where it addresses genuine social problems, but its implementation should be transparent, impartial and consistent with constitutional guarantees of religious freedom.