The President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Wale Oke, has vowed that Christians will continue preaching in commercial buses despite the proposed legislation seeking to prohibit religious activities in such vehicles.
Speaking during a church service on Sunday, Oke criticised the proposed measure, describing it as an attempt to stop Christians from carrying out what he called a divine mandate.
According to him, members of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria would not be deterred from evangelising, insisting that obedience to God takes precedence over human laws.
“Our Master instructed us to go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature. If anyone says we should not preach in buses, we will still preach in buses and everywhere else. We would rather obey God than man,” he said.
The cleric also faulted lawmakers for focusing on restricting religious preaching instead of addressing the country’s security challenges.
“You are not going after killers, kidnappers, bandits and other criminals. Instead, you are targeting those preaching peace and changing lives. We will not listen to you because you are not God,” Oke stated.
He further warned supporters of the proposed legislation to reconsider their position, saying, “Those promoting this law should repent. We will resist it, and we will not stop preaching the gospel.”
The PFN president’s comments follow widespread reactions to the proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Corps Establishment Act, which prescribes a ₦50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles.
Amid the controversy, the Senate clarified that the restriction is not a new provision.
According to the upper chamber, offences relating to hawking and preaching in commercial vehicles have existed under the Federal Road Safety Commission Act and the National Road Traffic Regulations since 2007.
Several Christian leaders have also expressed opposition to the proposal, maintaining that evangelism remains a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith and should not be restricted when conducted peacefully.
