By Bosun Obafemi
The Anambra State Government has clarified its stance on the ban of street and market evangelism, stressing that the intent of the law is not to restrict religious activities but to control noise pollution and prevent public disturbances.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Dr. Law Mefor, the State Commissioner for Information, addressed misconceptions surrounding Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s recent encounter with an itinerant preacher at Onitsha Market. The Commissioner explained that the Governor’s focus was on the issue of noise pollution, which is prohibited under the state’s Public Health Laws.
Mefor explained, “The issue at hand is noise pollution, not evangelism. Noise pollution is punishable under Sections 8(1,4b) and 9(1,2) of the Public Health Laws of Anambra State, 2006.” He added that the law has been enforced previously, citing a 2019 ruling by a magistrate court in Nnewi against a church.
The Commissioner urged the public to disregard any claims that the Governor has banned evangelism or public preaching in Anambra State. Instead, he called for adherence to the Public Health Law, which prohibits disruptive noise in certain areas. Mefor encouraged preachers to conduct their activities in churches or designated areas where they would not disturb others.
