• Says controversial provision has existed since 2007, urges Nigerians not to misconstrue amendment process
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Senate yesterday moved to quell growing public concerns over the proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) (Establishment) Act, insisting that the bill before the National Assembly does not seek to prohibit street preaching or introduce any fresh offence against religious activities in public places.
Rather, the upper chamber clarified that the provision criminalising preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles has been part of the FRSC Act since 2007 and is only being retained in the current amendment process.
The clarification followed widespread public debate and criticism triggered by reports suggesting that the amendment bill sought to outlaw public preaching, a claim the Senate described as false and misleading.
