IPOB’s Lawyer Criticizes Anambra Governor Over Ban on Public Preaching
The legal counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has strongly opposed the Anambra State Government’s recent ban on public preaching and the imposition of a ₦500,000 fine on defaulters. Ejiofor, speaking to journalists in Owerri on Monday, described the ban as a violation of Section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended, 2023), which guarantees freedom of religion and worship.
“The recent ban on public preaching in Anambra State, coupled with a hefty fine of ₦500,000 for defaulters, is an alarming overreach that raises serious concerns about religious freedom,” Ejiofor stated. He emphasized that the constitution grants every individual the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including the right to propagate their faith publicly.
Ejiofor cited the Supreme Court ruling in Lagos State Govt & Ors v. Abdulkareem & Ors (2022) LPELR-58517(SC), where the court reaffirmed the constitutional protection of religious expression. The ruling stated: “Every person is entitled to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including the right to manifest and spread their faith through worship, teaching, and observance.”
The IPOB lawyer argued that many residents might not fully understand the implications of the ban, which effectively criminalizes all forms of public preaching, including crusades and outdoor religious activities. He criticized the lack of a clear legal basis for the restriction and questioned Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s justification for the ban on the grounds of noise pollution.
“Rather than an outright ban, the governor should have explored ways to regulate and moderate public preaching to address noise concerns,” Ejiofor suggested. He further criticized Soludo’s governance priorities, questioning how peaceful gospel preachers contribute to Anambra’s security challenges.
“Governor Soludo seems to be at his wit’s end in addressing the serious issues facing our state. How does the prevailing insecurity relate to peaceful evangelists spreading the gospel?” Ejiofor asked. He urged Anambra to learn from neighboring states like Abia and Enugu, which have effectively governed without infringing on religious liberties.
“Anambra should take a cue from states that prioritize security and development without suppressing fundamental freedoms. The ban on public preaching is a dangerous precedent that must be revisited. True leadership is about building, not suppressing; about securing, not silencing,” he stated.
Ejiofor called on the state government to reconsider the policy, ensuring that constitutional rights remain protected while addressing any concerns through proper regulations rather than an outright ban. He emphasized that the ban sets a troubling precedent and could lead to further restrictions on other fundamental rights if not challenged.
The Anambra State Government’s decision to ban public preaching has sparked widespread debate, with religious groups and civil society organizations expressing concerns over its implications for freedom of expression and worship. Critics argue that the ban disproportionately targets religious activities while failing to address the root causes of noise pollution and other related issues.
Governor Soludo’s administration has yet to respond to Ejiofor’s criticisms, but the controversy highlights the delicate balance between maintaining public order and upholding constitutional rights. As the debate continues, stakeholders are calling for a more nuanced approach that respects religious freedoms while addressing legitimate concerns about noise and public safety.
The ban on public preaching in Anambra State underscores the broader challenges of governance in Nigeria, where policymakers must navigate complex social, cultural, and legal landscapes. The outcome of this controversy will likely have far-reaching implications for religious freedom and the relationship between the state and its citizens.
