Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government over the proposed ban on preaching in commercial buses, declaring that Christians will not accept any law that restricts their freedom to share their faith and vowing that such a policy could trigger widespread unrest if not reversed. Speaking during a church service on Sunday, July 26, 2026, the outspoken cleric described the proposed legislation as a direct attack on Christianity and questioned why Christians would be singled out for restrictions while Muslims are allowed to use loudspeakers and microphones for religious activities. "Are you aware that they said they should stop preaching in buses? That's a stupid law," Ibiyeomie told his congregation. "I will not be alive to see Christ being humiliated. Since they allowed Muslims to use microphones, then Christians will preach anywhere".
The controversy stems from the Senate's passage of the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, on July 16, which proposes a ₦50,000 fine, six months' imprisonment, or both, for anyone convicted of hawking, trading, or preaching inside commercial vehicles. The bill, which is currently awaiting presidential assent, also introduces tougher penalties for drunk driving, speeding, and other traffic offences. Lawmakers have argued that the measure is aimed at reducing distractions that could endanger motorists and passengers, but the proposal has sparked one of the most spirited national conversations in recent years, pitting road safety concerns against constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and expression.
Ibiyeomie, who has built a reputation as one of Nigeria's most outspoken preachers, rejected the government's rationale and accused some Christian leaders of remaining silent because they had been compromised by their relationship with political figures. "Most of them can't talk because they've taken money from the leaders," he said. "Ask your president if I've taken one naira from him so I can talk." He lamented the country's economic situation, saying Nigerians are facing severe hardship while many religious and political leaders have chosen not to speak out. "This is the hardest time in Nigeria. People are in hardship, yet everybody is keeping quiet. During Jonathan's time, they were shouting. You cannot compare Jonathan's time and now," he said.
The cleric further alleged that there were efforts to turn Nigeria into an Islamic nation but maintained that such attempts would not succeed. "They want to turn Nigeria into an Islamic nation. Some people think I'm joking. It's coming, but it can never be. Nigeria will never be an Islamic nation. If you want peace as one Nigeria, practice your religion and let us practice our Christianity," he added. In his most dramatic warning, Ibiyeomie cautioned that any attempt to suppress Christian preaching could have serious consequences. "They should not promote such laws if they don't want chaos in Nigeria. Otherwise, some of us will rise up and take it by force," he declared.
The proposed ban has drawn widespread opposition from Christian organisations across denominational lines. The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) stated that the provision contradicts constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and expression, arguing that placing peaceful preaching in the same category as hawking and trading diminishes an activity protected by Nigeria's Constitution. The Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Nigeria Region, also criticised the bill, with its president, Dr. Israel Akinadewo, arguing that equating Gospel preaching with commercial hawking sends a troubling message and undermines constitutionally protected religious expression. The Anglican Communion added its voice to the growing opposition, with the Anglican Bishop of Lagos South West, the Right Reverend Ebenezer Adewole, describing the proposed legislation as an undue distraction from the core responsibilities of governance and a waste of legislative time.
The Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN) has also directly appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reject the legislation, emphasising that road safety goals should not infringe on fundamental human rights. The South-West zone of CAN has similarly kicked against the proposed fine, describing the provision as a possible violation of Nigerians' constitutional rights. As the bill awaits presidential assent, the debate over the balance between road safety and religious freedom continues to intensify, with Ibiyeomie's fiery warning adding to the pressure on the Federal Government to reconsider the controversial provision.
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