Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra state has banned loud preachings in markets and open places in the state, accusing preachers of causing noise pollution and disturbing residents.
Gov Soludo, warning preachers to desist from using loudspeakers for preaching in markets and public spaces, declared that anyone caught violating the noise pollution order of the state would face a fine of ₦500,000.
Our Correspondent reports that a viral video circulating on social media captures the governor confronting an unidentified roadside preacher at a market in the state, instructing him to stop disrupting traders with his preaching and advised him to either preach in a church or rent an open field.
A camera caught the governor addressing traders at a market in Onitsha saying that, “If you want to preach the word of God, go to your church. You are causing noise pollution here. You cannot come to a marketplace and disturb everyone.”
He reiterated that markets are not places of worship and that unauthorized religious activities in public spaces would not be tolerated. “If you want to preach, go to a church. Those who want to listen will come to you; you cannot force people in the market to hear your message.”
The governor emphasized that anyone attempting to turn a public space into a church would be penalised. “You will pay ₦500,000 because we cannot allow this. We have banned loudspeakers in markets due to noise pollution, which affects people’s eardrums. You cannot force people to listen to your preaching. We are cracking down on fake pastors and prophets in Anambra.”
