The President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Wale Oke, has strongly criticized the National Assembly over a proposed law that would impose a ₦50,000 fine on anyone who preaches, hawks, or trades inside commercial buses.
Speaking during a church service, Bishop Oke declared that he and many other Christians would continue preaching in public transport if the bill becomes law, insisting that their religious duty takes precedence over the proposed restriction.
“If you want to enforce that law, be ready to arrest all of us,” he said. “We will preach in buses. We will preach everywhere because our Master commanded us to go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”
The proposed provision is contained in the redrafted Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which was passed by the Senate about two weeks ago. The bill introduces stiffer penalties for several road and transit-related offences, including a ₦50,000 fine for individuals who preach, hawk, or engage in trading inside commercial buses. It is yet to receive President Bola Tinubu’s assent before it can become law.
During his sermon, the cleric argued that the government was focusing on the wrong priorities, saying security agencies should concentrate on tackling violent crimes such as kidnapping, banditry, rape, and murder instead of targeting people who preach the Christian faith.
He also warned that many believers would refuse to comply with the measure if it is enacted, maintaining that Christians would “rather obey God than man.”
Bishop Oke further condemned lawmakers behind the bill, describing the proposed legislation as an “evil decree.” He also issued stern warnings and invoked curses against those promoting the measure unless they repent.
The proposed amendment has generated debate among Nigerians, with supporters arguing it is aimed at reducing distractions and improving safety in commercial vehicles, while critics contend that it could infringe on religious freedom and freedom of expression.
