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.
