Traditional doctors in Anambra have pledged their commitment to work with the state government to ensure the success of the ongoing sanitisation in the traditional medicine practice sector.
Chairman of the group, Chief Innocent Okwundu, gave the pledge during a parley with leadership of the Anambra House of Assembly in Awka on Thursday.
Okwundu, who led no fewer than 500 members to the Assembly said the recently enacted Anambra Homeland Security Law and the Agunechemba Security Outfit were positive development in the fight against crime.
He pledged the readiness of native doctors to collaborate with the legislature to smoothen rough edges and tighten loose ends for proper regulation of the practice.
“We must avoid intimidation and rip off of our members especially in the rural communities. We will contribute towards ensuring that the law guarantees us independence and smooth operations.
“We will assist in identifying those who have bastardised the traditional medicine in Anambra and expose those aiding or involved in the ‘Okeite’ or money ritual saga.
Responding, Dr Somtochukwu Udeze, Speaker of the House of Assembly said the Homeland Security Law of the Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration meant well for the people.
Udeze, who was represented by Mr Ikenna Ofodeme, said there was a bill underway to address some of the areas they expressed worry.
He said the law will bring about synergy and cooperation between the government and the native doctors, adding that registration of practitioners by the state government was free.
The Speaker cautioned community leaders against taking undue advantage of the situation to extort people as the government will not take it lightly with anybody apprehended.(NAN)