The Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has strongly criticised the proposed 2026 Traffic Offences and Anti-Preaching Bill, warning that any attempt to restrict Christian evangelism under the guise of law could provoke widespread unrest across the country.
Speaking before a large congregation during a church service in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Ibiyeomie urged lawmakers and government officials behind the controversial legislation to immediately reconsider their position, insisting that the constitutional right to freedom of religion must not be undermined.
The cleric declared that Christians should not be subjected to laws that seek to criminalise public preaching or evangelism, stressing that the Gospel remains a divine mandate that believers cannot abandon because of government policies.
According to him, any law aimed at preventing Christians from openly preaching their faith would amount to an infringement on the rights guaranteed under the Constitution and could generate unnecessary tension in an already fragile society.
“Leave Christians alone,” he reportedly declared. “If you push this kind of law against the Church, you are inviting chaos. Christians have remained peaceful and law-abiding. There is no need to provoke them.”
Ibiyeomie argued that Nigeria is a multi-religious nation where every citizen enjoys the freedom to practise and propagate his or her faith. He warned that introducing legislation perceived as targeting one religious group could deepen divisions and threaten national unity.
The Salvation Ministries founder noted that while government has the responsibility to regulate public order and traffic management, such responsibilities should not be used as a basis to suppress legitimate religious activities.
He maintained that churches have contributed significantly to national development through education, healthcare, humanitarian interventions and moral instruction, adding that rather than restricting their activities, governments should collaborate with religious institutions in promoting peace and social values.
The proposed Traffic Offences and Anti-Preaching Bill has continued to generate mixed reactions from religious organisations, legal practitioners and civil society groups, with many expressing concerns that certain provisions could limit public evangelism, especially preaching in public spaces and along roadsides.
Critics argue that although authorities have a legitimate responsibility to prevent obstruction of traffic, excessive noise and public nuisance, any enforcement framework must be carefully balanced to avoid violating the constitutional rights of citizens to freedom of worship, expression and peaceful assembly.
Supporters of stricter regulations, however, contend that the objective is to improve public safety, reduce traffic congestion and ensure that religious and commercial activities do not obstruct the free movement of people and vehicles.
Ibiyeomie, however, insisted that government should engage religious leaders in dialogue instead of pursuing measures that could be interpreted as hostile to Christianity. He urged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith while praying for the nation and its leaders.
The development has further intensified public debate over the scope of the proposed legislation, with many Nigerians calling for broader stakeholder consultations before any bill that could affect fundamental rights is passed into law. As discussions continue, religious bodies are expected to closely monitor the legislative process and make their positions known to the appropriate authorities.