Banning Preaching In Commercial Buses Is A Stupid Law— Pastor David Ibiyeomie Warns FG
The founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has strongly criticised the proposed Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, describing the provision seeking to ban preaching in commercial vehicles as a ‘stupid law’ and warning that it could undermine Christians' constitutional right to practise their faith.
Speaking during a church service on Sunday, Ibiyeomie urged Christians not to remain silent over the proposed legislation, insisting that Christians should enjoy the same freedom to preach as Muslims are allowed to use loudspeakers for religious activities.
“We want peace. Allow Christians alone. As we allow Muslims, also allow Christians. Are you aware of the decision not to preach in buses? That's a stupid law," he declared.
He added, "I will not be alive to see Christ being humiliated. Nigeria has got things so stupid. The so-called men who were in the assembly, I don't know where they kept their brains."
The cleric accused political leaders and some Christian leaders of failing to oppose policies he believes are detrimental to Christianity, claiming some pastors have remained silent because of political interests.
“I will never be alive to see Christianity be humiliated in Nigeria. If Muslims can also raise their microphone, we are free to preach. Every Nigerian has freedom of religion,” he said.
Ibiyeomie also criticised the country's worsening economic situation, describing the current period as the most difficult in Nigeria's history.
"Don't edit my word. The most difficult time is this time. People are in hardship and all of them are keeping quiet," he said, comparing the present administration with previous governments.
The cleric warned against implementing the proposed restriction, saying authorities should focus on tackling insecurity, terrorism and economic hardship instead.
"They should not promote such laws if they don't want chaos in Nigeria. Terrorism has problems. Hunger has problems. Nigeria has problems," he stated.
He further alleged that there were attempts to turn Nigeria into an Islamic nation but insisted such efforts would fail.
"Nigeria will never be an Islamic nation. If you want peace as one Nigeria, practise your religion and let us practise our Christianity," he said.
The Senate had passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposes a N50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles.
The bill, which is awaiting presidential assent, also prescribes a N50,000 fine, six months' imprisonment, or both, for motorists who refuse to cooperate with Federal Road Safety Corps officials conducting roadside breath tests based on reasonable suspicion.
According to lawmakers, the provision prohibiting hawking, trading and preaching inside commercial vehicles is intended to eliminate distractions and improve passenger safety, while the wider amendments introduce stiffer penalties for several traffic offences aimed at reducing road crashes across the country.