Human rights lawyer Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor has strongly criticized Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo over his decision to ban public preaching and impose a ₦500,000 fine on violators.
The controversy began when a video surfaced online showing Soludo confronting a preacher at a market. The governor warned the preacher to stop causing noise pollution, stating that the state had laws against such activities. He further instructed the preacher to move his activities to a church or a rented open space, stressing that anyone who disobeys would face a hefty penalty.
Reacting to this, Ejiofor released a statement on Monday expressing concerns about the implications of the ban. He noted that the restriction on public preaching, along with the heavy fine, raises serious questions about religious freedom in Anambra State. According to him, rather than imposing an outright ban, the government should focus on regulating and moderating public preaching to address noise pollution concerns.
Ejiofor referenced Section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. He pointed out that the Supreme Court had previously ruled that individuals have the right to express and spread their religious beliefs publicly.
He further noted that many people may not even be aware of how this decision affects their religious freedom. The outright ban criminalizes various forms of public preaching, including crusades and evangelistic outreaches held outside church premises. Ejiofor questioned the legal basis of the law cited by the governor and called for clarity on the matter.
The lawyer also criticized Soludo’s approach to governance, stating that Anambra faces more pressing issues that need urgent attention. He questioned how banning peaceful gospel preachers contributes to addressing the insecurity and other challenges in the state.
Ejiofor compared Anambra to neighboring states like Abia and Enugu, noting that they continue to govern effectively without imposing restrictions on religious activities. He urged the state government to focus on improving security and development rather than limiting fundamental rights.
“In a democratic society, policies must align with justice, fairness, and respect for rights. The ban on public preaching is a dangerous precedent that must be revisited. True leadership is about building, not suppressing; about securing, not silencing. Let wisdom prevail,” Ejiofor stated.
