Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has read the riot act to roadside preachers who invade markets with blaring loudspeakers, disrupting business activities and causing what he described as “unbearable noise pollution.”
In a move that has caused reactions across the state, the governor announced a total ban on loud preaching in public spaces and warned that violators would be fined a hefty N500,000.
Soludo, who has been vocal about restoring order in Anambra, made his stance crystal clear in a viral video that surfaced online on Saturday.
The video captures the moment he confronted an unidentified street preacher at a popular market, believed to be Onitsha’s Ochanja Market, ordering him to cease his activities immediately.
“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,” the governor said in the video.
The governor did not mince words as he addressed traders and passersby, making it clear that the days of uncontrolled street evangelism were over.
“This is a marketplace, not a church! You cannot take over a public space and turn it into a place of worship. Otherwise, you will pay for it. You will pay N500,000 because we cannot allow this anymore,” Soludo stated.
He further advised the preacher to rent a private space or hold his services in a church where those who genuinely want to listen to him can do so.
“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. You are violating the law,” the governor warned.
Soludo’s statement sent murmurs through the crowd, with some traders expressing relief that the government was finally taking action against what they described as “noise terrorism” in Anambra markets.
Soludo, who has been pushing for environmental reforms in Anambra, also used the opportunity to take a swipe at what he called “fake pastors and prophets” who exploit religion while disregarding the welfare of the people.
“We are cracking down on fake pastors and prophets in Anambra. We have banned loudspeakers in markets due to noise pollution, which is affecting people’s eardrums. You cannot force people to listen to your preaching,” he added.