Pastor David Ibiyeomie, founder of Salvation Ministries, did not mince words when he described the proposed ban on preaching in commercial buses as a 'stupid law.' The cleric issued the condemnation during a service, decrying the legislation as anti-Christian and calling on believers to oppose it vigorously.
Background of the Bill
The Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was recently passed by the Nigerian Senate. It criminalizes hawking, trading, and preaching inside commercial vehicles, prescribing a fine of ₦50,000, six months imprisonment, or both for offenders. The bill now awaits presidential assent before it can become law. Its proponents argue it aims to reduce distractions and improve road safety, but religious leaders have criticized it as an infringement on freedom of worship.
Ibiyeomie's Strong Reaction
Responding to the development, Ibiyeomie expressed outrage. 'Are you aware they said you should not preach in buses? That's a stupid law,' he said. He added, 'Nigeria has gotten so stupid, the so-called men in assembly, I don't know where they kept their brains.' The pastor warned that the church would not remain silent if the bill is enacted.
Accusations of Selective Enforcement
Ibiyeomie argued that the law unfairly singles out Christians while allowing other religious practices to continue unchecked. 'Nigerians will not preach in buses but you put loudspeaker outside, nobody is talking and Christians are keeping quiet,' he said, though he provided no evidence that the bill, which does not name any specific religion, is enforced unevenly. He called on Christians to resist the legislation, stating, 'Every Christian, rise up. They are telling you not to preach in buses, tomorrow they'll tell you not to share handbills.' He further warned, 'I will never be alive to see Christianity being humiliated in Nigeria, never. If they do it, quote me, some of us will leave.'
Criticism of Fellow Clergy
The pastor also criticized religious leaders he accused of staying silent due to financial or political ties. 'Go and ask your president if I've taken one dime from him so I can talk,' he said, suggesting that compromised loyalties have weakened the church's collective voice on national issues. He attributed the silence among some clergy to tribalism, stating plainly, 'I will never be a tribalistic preacher. Most preachers can't talk because of sentiment.'
Wider Concerns and Support
Widening his criticism beyond the bill, Ibiyeomie pointed to economic hardship and migration trends. 'South Africa is cleaning Nigerians, nobody is talking. Nigeria is one of the poorest nations on earth, nobody's talking,' he said, contrasting the current climate with what he described as a louder public response during former President Goodluck Jonathan's administration. His comments add to a growing list of reactions from Christian leaders and organizations, including the Christian Council of Nigeria and the Anglican Diocese of Lagos South West, who have also publicly opposed the bill since its passage, calling for it to be reviewed before receiving presidential assent.
