Summary: Fiery clergyman and Salvation Ministries founder, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has blasted Nigerian Senate members after they passed a controversial law banning preaching in commercial buses. Find out what he said and why Nigerians are talking about it.**
Popular Nigerian clergyman and founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has come out guns blazing against members of the National Assembly following the passage of a law that penalizes anyone who preaches in commercial buses across the country.
The Port Harcourt-based pastor did not mince words as he openly questioned the reasoning — or lack thereof — of the lawmakers who voted in favour of the bill.
“I don’t know where they kept their brains!” the fiery preacher reportedly declared, expressing his deep frustration and disappointment at the legislative decision.
The Law That Got Everyone Talking
Earlier this week, the Nigerian Senate passed a legislation that makes it a punishable offence for individuals to preach, hawk, or solicit for alms inside commercial buses and other public transit vehicles. The bill, which has since sparked heated debate across the country, is intended to curb what many commuters have described as unwanted disturbances during their daily travels.
However, for men and women of God like Pastor Ibiyeomie, the law represents something far more alarming — a direct attack on religious freedom and the Great Commission that Christians hold dear.
Pastor Ibiyeomie Speaks His Mind
Known for his bold, unapologetic style of ministry, Pastor Ibiyeomie did not hold back his feelings on the matter. The clergyman slammed the Senate members, questioning how elected representatives of the Nigerian people could pass a law that, in his view, criminalises the spreading of the Gospel.
For a man who built one of Nigeria’s most recognised megachurches from the ground up, the idea that a Christian could be penalised for sharing their faith — even in a danfo or BRT bus — is simply unacceptable.
His comments have since resonated widely, particularly among Nigerian Christians who regularly encounter street evangelists and bus preachers as a familiar — and for many, comforting — part of everyday life.
Nigerians Divided on the Issue
As expected, reactions from Nigerians have been sharply divided.
On one side are those who fully support the new law, arguing that bus preaching can be intrusive, especially for passengers who are exhausted after a long day, belong to different faiths, or simply prefer a quiet commute. Many have shared experiences of feeling uncomfortable or harassed by overzealous preachers inside danfo buses.
On the other side are those — particularly within the Christian community — who see the law as an infringement on their constitutional right to freedom of religion and expression. They argue that bus preaching has long been a grassroots evangelism tool, especially in reaching Nigerians who may never step foot inside a church.
A Deeper Question for Nigeria
Beyond the religious debate, Pastor Ibiyeomie’s outburst raises a broader conversation about the priorities of Nigeria’s National Assembly. At a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with rising food prices, insecurity, unemployment, and a biting cost of living crisis, many citizens are asking — is this really where our lawmakers should be directing their energy?
Whether you agree with Pastor Ibiyeomie or not, one thing is clear: this law has touched a nerve, and the conversation is far from over.
What do you think? Should preaching in commercial buses be banned? Drop your thoughts in the comments section below.
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