Soludo denies fighting evangelism, cites noise pollution law

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has refuted claims that his administration has banned evangelism in the state, emphasizing that his intervention was strictly aimed at addressing noise pollution, which is already prohibited under an existing public health law.

The controversy arose following a viral video in which the governor confronted an unidentified street preacher at a market in Onitsha on Saturday. In the footage, Soludo ordered the preacher to cease his activities, citing the law against noise pollution. He further advised the individual to relocate to a church or a designated space, warning that non-compliance could attract a fine of ₦500,000.

The incident has since generated mixed reactions, with some religious leaders and human rights activists alleging an infringement on the constitutional right to freedom of worship.

In response, the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, issued a statement on Tuesday, dismissing the allegations and clarifying that the governor’s remarks had been misinterpreted.

“The Anambra State Government wishes to address the misconstrued reports surrounding Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s recent encounter with an itinerant preacher at Onitsha Market. The governor’s remarks were wrongly interpreted as a ban on evangelism, whereas his concern was solely about noise pollution, which is prohibited under an existing public health law,” the statement read.

READ ALSO: Anambra Gov Soludo bans loud preaching in markets, imposes N500k fine on defaulters

Mefor explained that Soludo was merely enforcing the Anambra State Public Health Law 2006, which explicitly restricts excessive noise in public spaces, including markets.

“To clarify, the governor referenced the Public Health Law 2006, which forbids noise pollution and preaching in inappropriate places like markets using loudspeakers. He advised preachers to conduct their activities in churches or designated locations where people can willingly participate without disrupting others’ daily activities,” he added.

The commissioner further cited legal precedents on the matter, referencing a 2019 ruling by a magistrate’s court in Nnewi, which upheld the law against a church that was found in violation of noise pollution regulations.

“The public is therefore advised to disregard any claims suggesting that Governor Soludo has banned evangelism or public preaching in Anambra State. Instead, we urge citizens to comply with the Public Health Law and respect the rights of others,” Mefor stated.

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