Pastor Ibiyeomie Rejects Proposed Ban on Bus Preaching

The founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has criticised the restriction on preaching in commercial buses, saying the policy treats Christians unfairly. According to Tribune Online, he warned against any action that could undermine religious freedom in Nigeria.

Pastor Ibiyeomie said every Nigerian should enjoy the constitutional right to practice his or her faith without discrimination. He argued that Christians deserve the same level of freedom given to followers of other religions.

He maintained that if Muslims can publicly express their faith with loudspeakers, Christians should also have the freedom to preach in public spaces, including commercial buses.

“As others freely practice their religion, Christians should enjoy the same freedom. Nobody should stop us from preaching the gospel,” he said.

The cleric appealed to journalists to report his message accurately. He urged them not to alter his comments or present them out of context.

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“Report my words exactly as I said them. Don’t twist my message because our desire is peace,” he said.

Pastor Ibiyeomie declared that he would continue to defend the rights of Christians whenever he believes they face discrimination. He insisted he would not remain silent if Christianity was treated unfairly.

He also alleged that some individuals were pushing an agenda to transform Nigeria into an Islamic nation. He, however, expressed confidence that such efforts would never succeed.

“I will never watch Christianity suffer humiliation in Nigeria. That will never happen. Nigeria will never become an Islamic nation,” he said.

The pastor added that some Christians would rather leave the country than surrender their right to practice their faith freely. He stressed that peaceful coexistence depends on equal treatment for every religious group.

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Pastor Ibiyeomie also criticised the silence of some Christian leaders. He alleged that political relationships had prevented many from speaking openly on national issues.

He said he had never accepted money from political leaders and therefore remained free to express his convictions. He also rejected claims that his position was driven by ethnic loyalty, insisting he had always spoken on national matters regardless of who occupied the presidency.

The cleric argued that many voices that once criticised previous administrations had become quiet despite the country’s security and economic challenges. He urged lawmakers to focus on insecurity, terrorism, hunger and the welfare of Nigerians instead of introducing policies that could create religious tension.

He concluded by calling for fairness and equal rights for all faiths. He said lasting peace would only thrive when every Nigerian enjoys the freedom to practice his or her religion without discrimination.

source: Tribune Online News