Exactly what aspect of the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill 2026, which prescribes a N50,000 fine, or six months’ imprisonment, or both, for anyone who preaches inside a (moving or stationary) commercial bus, is going to prevent accidents on the road?
One is even minded asking if the asinine law will apply to those female “Isese” worshippers, usually decked in white costumes, “shaki” shawls, cowry shell necklaces, flywhisks and metal rattlers that they shake while praying for the loose change that they can extract from passengers who are about to embark on journeys on Nigeria’s dangerous roads.
The ostensible purpose of the bill, which also prohibits hawking or trading inside buses, is to eliminate the (possible noise pollution?) distractions that can compromise the safety of the drivers and their passengers who travel on the highways or commute within metropolises like Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, or Enugu.
Also, the bill is intended to check drivers from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, discourage drivers from disobeying traffic lights, road signs, permanent markings, control devices, among others, and reckless driving, which is good and commendable.
