A Christian group under the aegis of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Nigeria region, has called on President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent to the proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Bill, saying provisions that reportedly criminalise preaching in commercial vehicles pose a threat to Nigerians’ constitutional rights.
The group, in a statement issued yesterday by its President, Dr Israel Akinadewo, expressed concern that the proposed legislation allegedly places preaching in commercial vehicles in the same category as hawking and other prohibited activities.
According to the association, equating the peaceful proclamation of the Gospel with commercial hawking is insensitive and inconsistent with the constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and freedom of expression.
“OAIC considers it insensitive and inappropriate to equate the peaceful proclamation of the Gospel with commercial hawking. While recognising the need to ensure safety and order on Nigerian roads, the Association maintains that preaching is a constitutionally protected exercise of the rights to freedom of religion and freedom of expression, and should not be treated as a criminal or commercial activity,” Akinadewo said.
