Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Anambra State Government has debunked reports that it has placed a ban on activities relating to public evangelism and outdoor crusades in the state.
State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, in a viral video, had threatened a fine of N500,000 on anyone found to be disturbing public peace through open evangelism, particularly in parks and markets.
In the video, the Governor had described such activities as noise pollution. He warned preachers to desist from the act, as he said it contravenes the law of the state.
The matter has since generated wild reaction from both human right lawyers and Christian leaders who have accused Soludo of trying to trample on the citizens’ freedom of worship.
However, a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, clarified government position on the matter, noting that the governor’s comments were misinterpreted as a ban.
“The Governor’s remarks were misinterpreted as a ban on evangelism, whereas his focus was on noise pollution, which has been banned by an extant law on public health.
“To clarify, Governor Soludo drew attention to the Public Health Law 2006, which prohibits noise pollution and preaching in inappropriate places like markets using loudspeakers. The governor advised preachers to conduct their activities in churches or designated areas where people can gather and listen to the word without disrupting others’ activities.
“The issue at hand is noise pollution, not evangelism. “Noise pollution” is punishable under Sections 8(1,4b) and 9(1,2) of the Public Health Laws of Anambra State, 2006. As a matter of precedence, a magistrate court in Nnewi made this law actionable against a church in 2019.
“The public is therefore advised to disregard any claims suggesting Governor Soludo has banned evangelism or public preaching in Anambra State. Instead, we urge citizens to adhere to the Public Health Law and respect the rights of others.”
