Christian Group Urges Tinubu to Reject Preaching Bill

The African Institute Church Nigeria (OAIC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent to a proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Bill, which includes provisions to criminalize preaching in commercial vehicles. Dr. Israel Akinadewo, president of OAIC, expressed concerns that the legislation categorizes preaching as hawking, which could inhibit the constitutional rights to freedom of religion and expression.

The group argues that equating peaceful proclamations of faith with commercial hawking is insensitive and inconsistent with constitutional guarantees. They emphasized that preaching in commercial vehicles has been a legitimate means of spreading messages of faith and hope.

The OAIC warned that the law, if enacted, would unnecessarily restrict religious expression. They urged Tinubu not to sign the bill in its current form and called for a review of its provisions with broad consultation from religious bodies and civil society organizations.

The bill proposes a fine of N50,000 for those convicted of preaching in commercial vehicles and aims to enhance road safety.