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By Madu Obi
Traditional worshippers in Anambra State, popularly known as Nzuko Odinani Welfare Association(NOWA), have urged the state government to restore the controversial water sacrifices, arguing that it is a key aspect of Igbo spiritual worship.
In the recently approved Anambra State Homeland security law passed by the state House of Assembly, one of the sections barred water worshipping which,on conviction, attracts a fine of N20 million or six years imprisonment or both.
At an interaction with officials of the state government in Awka, the NOWA President General, Nze Ezeafor Izuegbu and Secretary, General, Nze Dike Ugbaja, while commending Governor Chukwuma Soludo for ensuring the safety of the state, however, called for reconsideration of the ban on water sacrifices.
"Water sacrifice is a key aspect of Igbo spiritual practices. It is very important for us to make sacrifices. It has been in vogue since our forefathers. Without these sacrifices, we can't perform.
We know that alternative solutions can be explored by allocating a portion of some streams for the purpose of sacrifice, while at the same time, making provisions to clean up that portion of the river after the exercise.
The association is pleading with our governor to assist us so as to continue with what is significant to us. Water is life. If the state government stops this from us, you have taken the life out of us," they said.
They called on the state government to immediately intervene in what they described as 'the ongoing intimidation of Ndi Ọdịnanị by security operatives and Presidents-General of communities', promising to work with government to maintain a clean and healthy environment so that Anambra will be better.
The practitioners, however, assured the state government that it will leave no stone unturned in helping to checkmate those involved and flush out bad eggs among traditional religion/medicine practitioners in the state.
Addressing the traditional worshippers, the state Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Comrade Don Onyenji, reaffirmed that Governor Soludo did not ban traditional religious practices in the state.
"All the governor is saying is to have the waters clean and healthy for Ndi Anambra and tourists who visit the state. Traditional religion should be practiced in Anambra State in a good way," the Commissioner said.
He also appreciated the association for expressing support to the decision of the state government.
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