Northern christians fault proposed bill on vehicle preaching, says National Assembly should focus on insecurity, poverty

Joseph Hayab, the Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (NCA), has criticised the proposed legislation seeking to restrict preaching in commercial vehicles, describing it as a misplaced priority that threatens Nigerians’ constitutional rights to freedom of expression and religion.

Hayab said the National Assembly should be concentrating on addressing worsening insecurity, poverty, hunger and other pressing national challenges instead of debating a bill aimed at stopping citizens from preaching in vehicles.

Speaking to Business Day on Monday through WhatsApp audio chat on the proposed legislation, Hayab questioned whether lawmakers fully understood their constitutional responsibilities, arguing that the Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to freely practise, express and propagate their faith.

“I ask myself several questions whether our National Assembly really understands what it means to be lawmakers. At a time like this in Nigeria, they are concerned about a law to prevent people from preaching in vehicles,” he said.

According to him, preaching, playing music or sharing words of encouragement inside a vehicle does not hinder movement or constitute a threat to road safety.

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He argued that if the proposal originated from road safety authorities, it would suggest a misunderstanding of the purpose of road regulations, noting that vehicles are fitted with radios and audio systems to provide information, encouragement and entertainment, provided they do not distract drivers.

Hayab acknowledged that some individuals may engage in inappropriate conduct while preaching in public transport but maintained that many preachers offer prayers, encouragement and safety messages that comfort passengers during journeys.

He stressed that lawmakers should distinguish between isolated misconduct and legitimate religious expression instead of imposing a blanket restriction.

The NCA chairman further accused the National Assembly of neglecting critical national issues while pursuing legislation that could infringe on citizens’ fundamental rights.

“They have not cared about insecurity, poverty or hunger. Their concern is merely preaching,” he said.

Hayab also questioned recent developments in the National Assembly, citing reports of alleged budget irregularities and controversial allocations for places of worship, which he said had raised concerns about transparency and national unity.

He urged lawmakers to thoroughly scrutinise bills before considering them and ensure that proposed legislation aligns with the Constitution and reflects the country’s priorities.

Calling on Christian leaders to engage their representatives in the National Assembly, Hayab said the proposed bill should be withdrawn because it would amount to an unnecessary restriction on freedom of religion and expression.

He also appealed to President Bola Tinubu not to assent to any legislation that would curtail citizens’ constitutional rights, insisting that Nigerians must remain free to peacefully share and practise their faith in accordance with the law.