Governor of Anambra, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has shut down claims that he banned evangelism in the state, stating that his focus was strictly on curbing noise pollution, as it contravenes established public health regulations.
A video circulating online showed Soludo confronting a street preacher at a market on Saturday, which subsequently generated criticism.
The Anambra Governor, in the video, told the preacher to stop creating a disturbance, reminding him of the noise pollution law. He then advised the preacher to move to a church or designated area, and warned of a ₦500,000 fine for non-compliance.
His confrontation has ignited controversy, with religious leaders and human rights activists claiming he violated the constitutional right to freedom of worship.
In a statement on Tuesday, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, dismissed these claims, insisting that Soludo’s remarks had been misinterpreted.
The statement read: “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 Commissioner explained that Soludo was enforcing the Anambra State Public Health Law 2006, which prohibits excessive noise in public places, 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,” the statement added.
“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,” he said.