Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has made it clear that he did not ban evangelism but is only taking action against noise pollution. His response comes after a video of him confronting a street preacher in a market went viral, sparking debate across the state.
In the video, Soludo told the preacher to stop making noise and reminded him that there is a law against noise pollution. He advised the preacher to take his activities to a church or a designated space instead of disturbing people in public places. The governor also warned that anyone who breaks the law could be fined ₦500,000.
Some religious leaders and human rights activists criticized Soludo, claiming that he was trying to stop people from preaching about God. However, the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, explained that the governor’s action was misunderstood.
What Did Soludo Say?
According to Mefor, Soludo was only enforcing the Anambra State Public Health Law 2006, which bans excessive noise in public places like markets. The law is not new, and it aims to protect people from unnecessary disturbances.
“The governor never banned evangelism,” Mefor said. “He only said that preachers should not use loudspeakers in places where they disturb others. Instead, they should preach in churches or approved locations where people can listen willingly.”
The commissioner also reminded the public that in 2019, a court in Nnewi upheld this law when a church was fined for causing too much noise.
What This Means for People in Anambra
Governor Soludo is asking everyone to follow the law and respect other people’s rights. This means that:
Churches and preachers can still spread the gospel, but they must do so in proper locations. Markets and public places should remain peaceful so that traders and residents can go about their daily activities without loud noise. Anyone who breaks the noise pollution law could face a fine or other legal consequences.
The government is urging citizens to disregard false rumours and understand that this law is meant to ensure a peaceful environment for all.
