Pastor David Ibiyeomie Slams Proposed Ban on Preaching in Commercial Buses, Calls Bill ‘Anti-Christian’

Pastor David Ibiyeomie, founder of Salvation Ministries, has strongly criticised the proposed legislation seeking to ban preaching inside commercial buses, describing it as an attack on Christianity and urging believers across the country to oppose it.

The outspoken cleric made the remarks while reacting to the recently passed Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to prohibit hawking, trading, and preaching inside commercial vehicles.

If signed into law, offenders could face a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both. The bill is currently awaiting presidential assent before it becomes law.

Ibiyeomie Calls Proposed Law ‘Stupid’

Expressing his displeasure, Ibiyeomie described the proposed legislation as unreasonable and questioned the thinking behind it.

“Are you aware they said you should not preach in buses? That’s a stupid law,” he said.

The pastor went further, criticizing lawmakers behind the bill.

“Nigeria has gotten so stupid, the so-called men in assembly, I don’t know where they kept their brains.”

His comments have since sparked fresh debate over the controversial amendment.

Pastor Claims Christians Are Being Singled Out

Ibiyeomie argued that the proposed law unfairly targets Christians while other religious expressions continue without similar restrictions.

According to him, Christians should not remain silent over the development, warning that accepting the bill could open the door to further restrictions on evangelism.

“Every Christian, rise up. They are telling you not to preach in buses, tomorrow they’ll tell you not to share handbills.”

He also declared that he would not remain silent if Christianity was, in his view, being suppressed.

“I will never be alive to see Christianity being humiliated in Nigeria. If they do it, quote me, some of us will leave.”

The proposed legislation itself does not specifically mention Christianity or any religious group.

Cleric Accuses Some Church Leaders of Remaining Silent

The Salvation Ministries founder also criticised some Christian leaders, alleging that political and financial relationships have prevented them from speaking against government policies.

According to him, genuine religious leaders should be willing to speak regardless of who is in power.

“Go and ask your president if I’ve taken one dime from him so I can talk.”

He suggested that fear of offending political allies has weakened the church’s collective response to national issues.

Economic Hardship and Insecurity Also Raised

Beyond the proposed preaching ban, Ibiyeomie expressed concern over Nigeria’s economic situation and the treatment of Nigerians abroad.

He questioned why issues such as poverty and reports involving Nigerians in foreign countries have not generated stronger public reactions.

He also compared the current political atmosphere with that of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, claiming that public criticism was more vocal during that period.

More Christian Groups Oppose the Bill

Ibiyeomie’s comments add to the growing opposition against the proposed amendment from several Christian bodies.

Religious organisations have called for the bill to be reviewed before it receives presidential assent, arguing that aspects relating to public preaching should be reconsidered.

The debate is expected to continue as Nigerians await the President’s decision on whether to sign the legislation into law.