Founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has criticised the recent ban on preaching in commercial buses, alleging that it amounts to unequal treatment of Christians and warning against what he described as “attempts to turn Nigeria into an Islamic nation”.
Speaking during a church service, Ibiyeomie argued that Christians should enjoy the same freedom to publicly practise their faith as Muslims, insisting that freedom of religion must apply equally to all Nigerians.
“Allow Christians alone. As we allow Muslims, also allow Christians,” he said.
According to the cleric, if Muslims are permitted to publicly use loudspeakers for religious activities, Christians should also be allowed to preach in public places, including commercial buses.
ALSO READ: The proposed ban on preaching and hawking in buses
“If Muslims can also raise their microphone, we are free to preach. There is freedom of religion. Nobody is warning the Muslims. You should not stop us from preaching,” he said.
Ibiyeomie urged journalists reporting his sermon to present his comments accurately and avoid taking them out of context.
“Don’t edit what I said. Put it as I said it. We want peace. Don’t turn my words,” he said.
The pastor maintained that he would not remain silent if Christianity was being unfairly targeted or discriminated against.
“I will never be alive to see Christianity be humiliated in Nigeria. Never,” he declared.
He further alleged that there were efforts to turn Nigeria into an Islamic nation but insisted such attempts would not succeed.
“They want to turn Nigeria into an Islamic nation. Some people think I’m joking. It’s coming, but it can never be. Nigeria will never be an Islamic nation,” he said.
Ibiyeomie added that some Christians would rather leave the country than be prevented from freely practising their faith.
“If you want peace, as you practise your religion, practise your Christianity,” he said.
The cleric also criticised what he described as the silence of many Christian leaders, alleging that some had compromised their independence because of political patronage.
“Most preachers can’t talk because they’ve taken money from the leaders. Go and ask your president if I’ve taken one dime from him so I can talk. You can’t take money from a man and talk to him,” he said.
Rejecting claims that his views were influenced by ethnic considerations, Ibiyeomie said he had consistently spoken out on national issues regardless of who occupied the presidency.
“I will never be a tribalistic preacher. Never,” he said.
Drawing a comparison between the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan and the current government, he argued that many religious leaders who were outspoken in the past had become silent despite the country’s worsening challenges.
“Jonathan was here, they were shouting. It has come now, everyone is quiet. Even preachers are quiet,” he said, attributing the silence to tribal and political sentiments.
The pastor also faulted lawmakers for focusing on issues such as restrictions on public preaching while, according to him, failing to adequately address insecurity, terrorism, hunger and attacks on Nigerians abroad.
“Terrorism is a problem. Hunger is a problem. Nigeria has a problem,” he said.
He urged authorities to avoid policies capable of creating religious tension, insisting that lasting peace can only be achieved when adherents of all faiths enjoy equal rights under the law.
“If you want peace, as Muslims practise their religion, allow Christians to practise theirs,” he added.