The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and human rights lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor have argued that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s pronouncement of a ban on public preaching is an infringement on people’s right to freedom of religion.
A Christian preacher at Onitsha’s Ochanja Market was reportedly stopped by Governor Soludo because of noise pollution.
He told the preacher that it was against the law for him to openly preach in the marketplace and that he would be fined ₦500,000.
Furthermore, Barrister Ejiofor condemned the ₦500,000 fine imposed on those who disobeyed the ban.
An IPOB attorney stated in a statement on Monday
that the 1999 Constitution (as modified), 2023, Section 38 (1), guaranteed the right to freedom of religion.
Although he denied that such a regulation existed in Anambra State, he contended that the wider ramifications of such a prohibition would infringe upon Christians’ ability to propagate their faith.
It is possible that many people are unaware of the extent to which the State Governor’s clear prohibition has limited their religious freedom. The governor has referenced an unspecified “law” that, by that declaration, has made all public preaching activities unlawful, including outreach events and crusades that formerly took place outside of church facilities.
The governor should have talked about measures to regulate and limit these public sermons rather than imposing a total ban in order to stop the noise pollution he says is the reason for the ban.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo doesn’t seem to be able to handle the many serious and urgent issues facing our beloved State.
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What is the relationship between Anambra State’s overall insecurity and the evangelism of nonviolent gospel preachers? He stated, “These people are simply carrying out their biblical and spiritual mandate, which is to call people to faith and spread the word of God.”
Justice, equity, and human rights must all be represented in his policies, he told the governor. He added that the ban on public preaching needs to be reexamined.
The principles of justice, equity, and respect for human rights must guide policy in a democracy. Because it creates a dangerous precedent, the ban on preaching in public needs to be examined. He continued by stating that “True leadership is about securing, not silencing; about building, not suppressing.”
