Christian group urges Tinubu to reject bill criminalising preaching in commercial vehicles

The Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) in Nigeria has called on President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent from a proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission Bill. The group argues that provisions criminalizing preaching in commercial vehicles threaten Nigerians' constitutional rights.

In a statement released on Saturday, OAIC President Dr. Israel Akinadewo expressed concern that the bill equates preaching with hawking and other prohibited activities. "OAIC considers it insensitive and inappropriate to equate the peaceful proclamation of the Gospel with commercial hawking," Akinadewo stated. He emphasized that while road safety is important, preaching is a constitutionally protected exercise of freedom of religion and expression, not a criminal or commercial activity.

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OAIC considers it insensitive and inappropriate to equate the peaceful proclamation of the Gospel with commercial hawking. While recognising the need to ensure safety and order on Nigerian roads, the Association maintains that preaching is a constitutionally protected exercise of the rights to freedom of religion and freedom of expression, and should not be treated as a criminal or commercial activity.

The association maintained that preaching in commercial buses has historically served as a legitimate means of spreading messages of faith, hope, and peaceful coexistence. They warned that criminalizing peaceful religious expression would constitute an unnecessary restriction on constitutional rights. The OAIC respectfully urged President Tinubu not to sign the bill in its current form.

Furthermore, the OAIC appealed to the National Assembly to review the relevant provisions through broad consultations with religious bodies and civil society organizations. This, they believe, will promote public safety while safeguarding constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and expression. The group reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and responsible religious conduct, urging preachers to maintain public order during evangelism.

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The Association therefore respectfully calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to assent to the Bill in its present form. We also urge the National Assembly to review the relevant provisions through broad consultations with religious bodies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to ensure that public safety is promoted without undermining the constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and expression.