Imam Akeugberu Backs FRSC Move to Ban Preaching, Hawking in Commercial Buses
The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Al-Imam (Barrister) Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has thrown his weight behind the Federal Road Safety Corps’ proposed legislation seeking to prohibit preaching and hawking inside commercial buses, describing the initiative as a necessary step to improve road safety and protect lives.
In a statement issued on Monday from his office, the Islamic cleric said the government’s foremost responsibility is the protection of lives and property, adding that any policy capable of reducing avoidable road crashes deserves public support.
“Commercial buses are means of transportation, not places of worship or religious gatherings,” Akeugberu said. “Passengers board vehicles to travel safely to their destinations, while drivers are expected to concentrate fully on the road. Any activity capable of distracting drivers or creating unnecessary tension among passengers should not be encouraged.”
The Grand Chief Imam noted that frequent preaching inside commercial vehicles has become a source of distraction to drivers and discomfort to many passengers, and in some cases has led to arguments, altercations and security concerns within public transport.
He argued that countries with advanced road safety cultures do not permit activities that interfere with drivers’ concentration and urged Nigeria to adopt similar standards that prioritise the sanctity of human life.
Akeugberu therefore called on the National Assembly to give speedy consideration to the proposed legislation in the interest of public safety.
While affirming that freedom of religion is constitutionally guaranteed, he stressed that all rights must be exercised responsibly and within the limits of the law, particularly where public safety is concerned.
He also appealed to religious leaders across all faiths to educate their followers on conducting religious activities in appropriate and designated places rather than inside commercial vehicles where they may inconvenience others or distract drivers.
The cleric warned individuals or groups against taking the law into their own hands if the proposed legislation is eventually enacted.
“Nigeria is a nation governed by the rule of law,” he said. “Once the legislative process is concluded and the law comes into force, every citizen and resident has a constitutional obligation to obey it. Anyone who feels aggrieved has the legitimate right to seek judicial interpretation through the courts rather than resorting to self-help or acts capable of undermining public order.”
He further urged security agencies and relevant enforcement authorities to implement any eventual law professionally, fairly and without discrimination, ensuring that no individual or religious group is selectively targeted.
The Grand Chief Imam concluded by calling on Nigerians to embrace lawful measures aimed at reducing road accidents, preserving lives and promoting peaceful coexistence, stressing that the preservation of life remains one of the highest objectives recognised by both the Nigerian Constitution and the teachings of Islam.
