‘Turn Every Stadium Into Prison, We’ll Still Preach in Buses’ — PFN President Defies ₦50,000 FRSC Fine Bill

• PFN President Bishop Wale Oke has vowed that Christians will continue preaching in commercial buses despite the proposed ₦50,000 FRSC fine.

The President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Wale Oke, has vowed that Christians will continue preaching in commercial buses despite the proposed law prescribing a ₦50,000 fine for the act.

Speaking during a church service on Sunday, Oke declared that believers would resist any attempt to stop public evangelism, insisting that preaching the gospel is a divine command that cannot be overridden by any government law.

The cleric said members of the PFN were prepared to face arrest rather than abandon evangelism.

“Make all the stadiums in Nigeria become prisons; if you want to enforce that law, we are coming. We will break that law.”

He stressed that Christians would continue preaching in buses and other public places because they were obeying the command of Jesus Christ.

“Our Master told us to go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature. You sit somewhere there, and you are saying we shouldn’t preach in buses. We will preach in buses! We will preach everywhere! Because you are making evil decrees. We will rather obey God than man.”

Bishop Oke also criticised lawmakers for allegedly focusing on restricting religious preaching while insecurity, kidnappings and violent crimes continue across the country.

“You don’t go after killers; you are not going after those beheading; you are not going after rapists; you are not going after kidnappers. You are not going after bandits who are unlawfully carrying arms. You are going after us who are preaching the message of peace that changes people’s lives. We wouldn’t listen to you. You are not God!”

He further warned those behind the proposed legislation to reconsider their actions.

“Those promoting that law, God will cut them off. We will rain curses upon you and your family unless you repent. This law, we will break it.”

His comments come amid growing opposition from Christian leaders over the proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act, which prescribes a ₦50,000 fine for individuals convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles.

The Senate has, however, clarified that the restriction is not a new provision, stating that the offences have existed under the FRSC Establishment Act and National Road Traffic Regulations since 2007. According to the lawmakers, the ongoing amendment is not intended to target religious activities but to promote the safety and comfort of commuters.

Other prominent clerics, including the founder of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Enenche, Living Faith Church founder Bishop David Oyedepo, and the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, have also spoken in support of continued peaceful evangelism despite the controversy.