The Organisation of African Instituted Churches, Nigeria Region, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to decline assent to the proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Bill, arguing that some of its provisions could undermine Nigerians’ constitutional rights to freedom of religion and expression.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the group’s President, Dr. Israel Akinadewo, expressed concern over reports that the proposed amendment would classify preaching in commercial vehicles alongside activities such as hawking, which are prohibited on public roads.
According to Akinadewo, the provision, if signed into law, could criminalise religious preaching in buses and other commercial vehicles, raising concerns among faith-based organisations across the country.
He maintained that while the government has a responsibility to ensure road safety and public order, such efforts should not come at the expense of citizens’ fundamental rights as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.
The Christian leader urged the National Assembly and the Presidency to carefully review the controversial provision, stressing that religious freedom remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democratic values and should be protected.
He also called on lawmakers to engage religious leaders and other stakeholders before finalising the legislation to ensure that any law enacted promotes public safety without restricting lawful religious activities.
The appeal comes amid growing public debate over the proposed amendment to the FRSC Act, with some Nigerians expressing concerns that the legislation could have unintended consequences for freedom of worship and expression if enacted.
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