The founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has criticized the National Assembly over a proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act that would impose penalties on individuals who preach, hawk, or engage in commercial activities inside commercial buses.
Speaking during a church service in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Sunday, Ibiyeomie questioned the reasoning behind the proposed legislation, saying, “I don’t know where the members of the National Assembly kept their brains.”
The cleric described the proposed law as unfair and argued that it could be perceived as targeting Christians. He warned that if enacted, the legislation could create unnecessary tension in the country.
The controversy follows the passage of the redrafted Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, by the Senate. The bill introduces stiffer penalties for several road and transit-related offences, including a proposed ₦50,000 fine for individuals found trading, hawking, or preaching inside commercial buses.
The bill is yet to receive presidential assent from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu before it can become law.
Reacting to the development, Ibiyeomie urged Christian leaders across the country to speak out against the proposed legislation. He also criticized pastors who participated in protests during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan but have remained silent over the current bill.
According to him, religious leaders have a responsibility to defend the right to preach the gospel and should not remain silent on issues they consider to be against the Christian faith.
