Ibiyeomie Condemns 'Stupid' Legislation
Pastor David Ibiyeomie, founder of Salvation Ministries, has strongly criticized the redrafted Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, passed by the Senate and awaiting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's assent. The bill imposes a ₦50,000 fine on anyone who preaches to passengers inside commercial buses, and also targets hawking and trading in such vehicles.
Speaking during a church service, Ibiyeomie did not mince words: 'Are you aware that there's a decision of preaching buses? That is a stupid law. It's a stupid law.' He warned that he would not remain passive if the bill becomes law. 'I will not be alive to see Christ being humiliated. Nigeria has gotten so stupid.'
Unequal Religious Freedoms
The pastor drew a pointed comparison between the treatment of Christians and Muslims in Nigeria's public spaces. He questioned why no authorities had moved against Muslims using loudspeakers on public streets, yet legislators were now restricting Christians from preaching in buses.
'As you allow Muslims, also allow Christians,' he said. Ibiyeomie argued that Christians deserve the same religious freedoms as Muslims, pointing to the widespread use of loudspeakers for Islamic calls to prayer and other public expressions of faith.
Criticism of Silent Church Leaders
Ibiyeomie also turned his attention to what he described as widespread silence among Nigerian Christian leaders. He alleged that many had accepted money from politicians and therefore could no longer speak freely. 'Most of them can't talk because they've taken money from the leaders,' he said, insisting that he himself had never received a single naira from the presidency.
He compared the current administration to former President Goodluck Jonathan's tenure, suggesting that religious and civic voices that were once vocal had gone quiet under the present government. The cleric urged Christians to resist the legislation, warning of serious consequences if the bill was signed into law.
Broader Grievances and Warning
'If they do it, quote me, some of us will leave,' Ibiyeomie said, adding that he would never remain passive as a preacher while the gospel was being suppressed. He also touched on broader grievances including hunger, xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, and what he alleged were slow moves to redefine Nigeria's identity along religious lines.
'They want to turn Nigeria to Islamic nations,' he said. 'It can never be.' Ibiyeomie closed his remarks with a direct instruction to those recording and sharing the sermon: 'Don't edit my statement.'
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Pastor David Ibiyeomie responded to claims that religious leaders have been silent on Nigeria's worsening insecurity. He argued that many critics were quiet when pastors spoke out during former President Goodluck Jonathan's administration, questioning why they now accuse church leaders of inaction. Ibiyeomie maintained that pastors have consistently raised their voices on national issues and insisted they have not been silent.
