PFN, Other Christian Groups Insisting on Bus Preaching Despite Ban Have No Respect for Rule of Law — MURIC

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has criticised the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and other Christian groups opposing the enforcement of the ban on preaching in commercial buses, insisting that no individual or religious organisation should place itself above the law.

MURIC’s reaction followed remarks credited to the President of the PFN, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, who reportedly vowed that Christians would continue preaching in commercial buses despite existing legal provisions prohibiting such activities.

According to reports, Bishop Oke said millions of Christians were prepared to defy the restriction, arguing that the Christian faith requires believers to preach the gospel everywhere.

Responding in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC described the comments as an invitation to lawlessness and accused the PFN leader of encouraging Nigerians to disregard established regulations.

The organisation argued that public preaching inside commercial vehicles has been prohibited under existing laws for several years and should not be treated as a new policy.

According to MURIC, the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act of 2007 and the National Road Traffic Regulations of 2012 already classify preaching and hawking inside commercial vehicles as offences.

The group maintained that public transportation should remain free from activities capable of distracting drivers or causing discomfort to passengers with different religious beliefs.

Akintola further argued that religious leaders should promote obedience to lawful authority rather than encourage actions capable of disrupting public order.

While disagreeing with the PFN’s position, MURIC urged Muslims across the country to remain calm and avoid confrontations with bus preachers.

Instead, it advised them to report any violations to security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, while gathering evidence where necessary.

The organisation also appealed to the Federal Government and state authorities to ensure consistent enforcement of the law, noting that poor implementation over the years had encouraged repeated violations.

MURIC emphasised that its position was not intended to provoke religious tension but to promote respect for the rule of law and peaceful coexistence.

It concluded that all citizens, regardless of religious affiliation, should comply with existing regulations while pursuing their constitutional rights within the limits prescribed by law.