Christian Group Urges Tinubu to Reject Bill Criminalising Preaching in Buses

• A Christian organisation has called on President Bola Tinubu to reject the proposed FRSC amendment bill criminalising preaching in buses.

The Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) has urged President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent to the amended FRSC Bill, warning that provisions targeting preaching in commercial vehicles threaten Nigerians’ constitutional rights.

The Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Nigeria Region, has called on President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent to the proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Bill, arguing that provisions targeting preaching in commercial vehicles violate constitutional rights.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the association’s President, Dr Israel Akinadewo, expressed concern over reports that the proposed legislation places preaching in commercial vehicles in the same category as hawking and other prohibited activities.

According to the group, equating the peaceful proclamation of the Gospel with commercial hawking is insensitive and inconsistent with the constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and freedom of expression.

“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,” Akinadewo said.

The association noted that preaching in commercial buses has long served as a legitimate means of spreading messages of faith, hope, morality, repentance and peaceful coexistence across Nigeria.

It warned that any legislation capable of criminalising peaceful religious expression would amount to an unnecessary restriction on the constitutional rights of Nigerians.

The OAIC therefore appealed to President Tinubu not to sign the bill into law in its current form and urged the National Assembly to review the contentious provisions through wider consultations with religious organisations, civil society groups and other stakeholders.

“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,” the statement added.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and responsible religious conduct, urging preachers to carry out evangelism in ways that respect public order while calling on the government to safeguard the constitutional freedoms that underpin Nigeria’s democracy.

The appeal follows the Senate’s passage of amendments to the FRSC Act, which propose a ₦50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles.

The bill, which is awaiting presidential assent, also proposes a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both, for motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC officials during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion.

According to lawmakers, the amendments are aimed at strengthening road safety enforcement, reducing distractions for drivers, improving compliance with traffic regulations and lowering the rate of road crashes across the country.