Founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has criticised reports of restrictions on preaching in public buses, describing the move as an attack on the Christian faith and insisting that believers should not be prevented from sharing the gospel.
Speaking during a church service, the cleric said any attempt to stop Christians from preaching in buses while allowing other religious groups to use loudspeakers in public was unacceptable, warning that such policies could create unnecessary tension.
Addressing members of his congregation, Ibiyeomie argued that the government’s attention should be directed towards addressing insecurity, poverty, and other pressing national challenges rather than introducing measures that limit public evangelism.
He maintained that Christians have the constitutional right to preach freely and said he would not support any policy that, in his view, undermines that freedom.
The outspoken preacher also criticised what he described as unequal treatment of religious groups, insisting that Christians should enjoy the same freedom to publicly express their faith. According to him, if Muslims are permitted to use microphones in public, Christians should equally be free to preach wherever they choose, including in public buses.
“Are you aware that they said they should stop preaching in buses? That’s a stupid law. I will not be alive to see Christ being humiliated. Since they allowed Muslims to use microphones, then Christians will preach anywhere,” he said during the service.
Beyond the reported restriction, the cleric used the opportunity to express concern over the country’s economic and security situation. He questioned why more attention was being paid to regulating public preaching instead of addressing the widespread hardship and insecurity confronting Nigerians.
Ibiyeomie also accused some religious leaders of remaining silent on national issues because of their alleged relationships with political leaders. He stated that he had never received financial support from the president and therefore had no reason to withhold his opinions on matters affecting the country.
According to the preacher, financial ties between political office holders and some clerics have discouraged outspoken criticism of government policies. He contrasted the current situation with the period of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, claiming that many religious leaders who openly criticised the government at the time have become noticeably quieter despite ongoing national challenges.
“Go and ask your president if I’ve taken one dime from him. You can’t take money from a man and still talk to him. There are killings everywhere, nobody is talking. Nigeria is one of the poorest nations on earth, nobody is talking. During Jonathan’s time they were shouting, but now everyone is quiet. Most preachers are quiet because they take money,” he said.
The Salvation Ministries founder further warned against introducing policies that could heighten religious tensions, maintaining that freedom of worship and evangelism should be protected.
He insisted that Christians have the constitutional right to preach the gospel without unnecessary restrictions and urged authorities to focus on addressing the country’s more pressing socio-economic and security concerns.
