The Chairman of the Northern Christian Association (NCA), Rev. Joseph Hayab, has stated that preaching and playing music in public buses do not in any way constitute a threat to road safety.
He made this known in a statement made available to Church Times in response to a recent bill seeking to criminalise preaching in public transport.
According to him, preaching, playing music, or sharing words of encouragement inside a vehicle does not hinder its movement or pose a threat to road safety.
He stated that if the bill originated from road safety authorities, it would suggest a misunderstanding of the purpose of road regulations. He noted that vehicles are equipped with radios and audio systems to provide information, encouragement, and entertainment, provided they do not distract drivers.
While acknowledging that some individuals may engage in inappropriate conduct while preaching in public transport, he maintained that many ministers of the gospel offer prayers, encouragement, and safety messages that comfort passengers during their travels.
He insisted that the proposed legislation seeking to restrict preaching in commercial vehicles is a misplaced priority that threatens the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freedom of expression and religion.
Hayab urged lawmakers to concentrate on addressing worsening insecurity, poverty, hunger, and other pressing national challenges instead of debating a bill aimed at stopping citizens from preaching in public vehicles.
He wondered if the lawmakers fully understood their constitutional responsibilities, arguing that the Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to freely practise, express, and propagate their faith.
”I ask myself several questions regarding whether our National Assembly really understands what it means to be lawmakers. At a time like this in Nigeria, they are concerned about a law to prevent people from preaching in vehicles,” he stated.
According to him, lawmakers should distinguish between isolated misconduct and legitimate religious expression instead of imposing a blanket restriction. He also accused the National Assembly of neglecting critical national issues while pursuing legislation that could infringe on citizens’ fundamental rights.
Rather than debating a bill to stop bus evangelism, the Christian leader urged the Assembly to look into recent developments within its own chambers. He cited reports of alleged budget irregularities and controversial allocations for places of worship, which he said had raised concerns about transparency and national unity.
He called on Christian leaders to engage their representatives in the National Assembly, asserting that the proposed bill should be withdrawn because it would amount to an unnecessary restriction on freedom of religion and expression.
The cleric also pleaded with President Bola Tinubu not to sign any legislation that would curtail citizens’ constitutional rights, insisting that Nigerians are entitled to freedom of speech and the expression of their faith, provided it is done decently.
