The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu not to sign the proposed Federal Road Safety Code Amendment Bill, saying provisions that would penalise preaching inside commercial vehicles are unnecessary, discriminatory and risk inflaming religious tensions.

Speaking after the PFN’s third-quarter National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Lagos on Thursday, the fellowship said while it supports efforts to improve road safety, it believes the controversial provision unfairly targets Christians and diverts attention from more pressing national challenges such as insecurity, hunger and economic hardship.

Why it matters

The bill, as reported by PFN leaders, proposes a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both for anyone convicted of hawking, preaching or trading inside commercial vehicles.

Supporters of the legislation argue that it is intended to strengthen road safety by discouraging activities capable of distracting drivers.

PFN, however, said the provision goes beyond traffic management and raises constitutional questions about freedom of religion and expression.

PFN says road safety is important, but priorities are misplaced

Addressing journalists after the NEC meeting, PFN National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, said the fellowship recognises the importance of safer roads and commended the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for its work.

“We do appreciate the intention of the lawmakers and of course of Nigeria to ensure safety of our roads,” Bakare said.

“We do appreciate the work of the Federal Road Safety Corps in ensuring that our roads are safe and secure and the need to strengthen road safety procedures.”

Despite that acknowledgement, he argued that Nigeria faces more urgent problems requiring legislative attention.

“There are several things begging for attention in Nigeria. We are still talking about insecurity, we are still talking about hunger in the land, we are still talking about different aspects that are challenging both government and the people.”

Bakare questioned why preaching in commercial vehicles should be classified as a traffic offence.

“I have never been confronted with any example… that in the process of preaching in a bus, a driver was distracted and caused an accident. So I really can’t see how this matter has become a traffic offence.”

PFN alleges provision targets Christians

Bakare said the fellowship believes the proposed provision disproportionately affects Christians because evangelism in commercial buses is largely associated with Christian preachers.

“We have the opinion that there are other things in this law that gives us an impression that it is targeted against Christians,” he said.

He also argued that other activities capable of obstructing traffic should receive similar legislative attention.

“We have cases of people who block roads on a prayer day. I would have thought that that’s one of the areas that we can consider traffic offence.”

The PFN National Secretary said the organisation had consulted legal opinions and believes aspects of the proposal may conflict with constitutional protections guaranteeing religious freedom.

He urged President Tinubu to decline assent and instead return the bill for wider public consultation.

“If anything, send it back for the public to debate it, to look at it. Invite the relevant people who are directly affected by such laws.”

Warning against religious tension

Bakare cautioned that legislation touching on religious practice should be handled carefully in a multi-faith country like Nigeria.

“We do not want to have confrontation with the government for any reason,” he said.

“But we think the government should not by any means legislate on matters that will cause more crisis and trouble in the nation.”

He added that the church remains committed to preaching peacefully while respecting the beliefs of others.

PFN calls for stronger action on insecurity

Responding to questions from journalists, PFN National Treasurer, Dr Sam Atoyebi, shifted attention to Nigeria’s security challenges.

He welcomed recent security successes but urged the government to intensify pressure on criminal groups.

“The government should ride on the back of that success and keep the heat on the bandits,” he said.

Atoyebi argued that insecurity continues to hinder national development and should remain a top priority.

“There are so many things waiting to be attended to, which insecurity is actually on the way.”

Economic hardship driving street trading, PFN says

Commenting on the bill’s provisions affecting hawking inside commercial vehicles, Atoyebi said many traders operate in buses because they have few alternatives.

“Do they think those people are happy to be trading in the bus? It’s because they don’t have a choice.”

He described bus trading as a reflection of poverty rather than criminal behaviour.

“They should have rather found a way to make laws that would make life more comfortable for the people instead of tormenting the people already oppressed.”

PFN maintains stance on Muslim-Muslim ticket

Asked about preparations for the 2027 general election and the possibility of another Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, Atoyebi said the church had not altered its previous position.

“I don’t think the church has ever changed their position,” he said.

“The fact that it subsisted in 2023 doesn’t mean the church has changed their position.”

He did not elaborate on what additional steps the fellowship intends to take ahead of the elections.

Legal and constitutional questions

Constitutional lawyers say any legislation restricting religious activities would likely be examined against Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and religion, as well as freedom of expression.

Legal experts also note that Parliament has authority to enact laws aimed at protecting public safety, provided such restrictions are reasonable, proportionate and consistent with constitutional rights.

Whether the proposed provision meets that threshold could become a subject of legal interpretation if eventually enacted.

What happens next?

PFN said it expects President Tinubu to withhold assent and allow wider consultations involving religious organisations, lawmakers, legal experts and other stakeholders.

Should the bill become law, legal observers say it could face constitutional challenges in court.

Government officials, the FRSC and the National Assembly have yet to publicly respond to PFN’s position following Thursday’s briefing.

Members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondents’ Chapel have been encouraged to remain steadfast in the face of professional and personal challenges while continuing to uphold ethical journalism in Nigeria.

The message formed the centrepiece of the chapel’s thanksgiving service, which concluded its 2026 Press Week in Lagos under the theme: “Journalism and Nation Building: Promoting Accountability and Good Governance.”

The service was held at Divine Mount Zion Church of God, Iyana-Ogudu, Lagos, where church leaders urged journalists to remain resilient, truthful and responsible in their reporting despite growing social and political pressures.

Why It Matters

The thanksgiving service came at a time when Nigeria’s media continues to face increasing demands to provide accurate, balanced and accountable reporting amid economic hardship, political tension and public concerns over misinformation.

Church leaders said journalists play a vital role in strengthening democracy and shaping public opinion, making ethical reporting more important than ever.

Pastor: Storms Are Part of Every Journey

Delivering a sermon titled “Steady the Storm,” Pastor Victor Ekpe compared life’s challenges to storms encountered by biblical figures, saying adversity should strengthen rather than weaken believers.

Drawing from the biblical account of Jesus calming the storm, he said difficult moments are unavoidable but should not discourage people from pursuing their purpose.

He explained that many people remain steadfast when life is comfortable but lose confidence when faced with hardship.

According to him, storms are not signs of abandonment by God but opportunities for growth and preparation.

Pastor Ekpe said every individual seeking success would face challenges, rejection and uncertainty before reaching their destination.

He urged worshippers not to allow life’s storms to distract them from their goals, adding that faith, resilience and God’s presence provide the strength needed to overcome adversity.

The cleric also encouraged journalists to remain focused despite professional pressures, saying resilience is essential in every calling.

Bishop Calls for Responsible Journalism

Speaking during the service, the General Overseer, Bishop Francis Obukpo, appealed to journalists to exercise restraint and responsibility in their reporting.

He warned that careless reporting could worsen existing tensions across the country.

“Know what to write, so that it may not set fire on the world, because they are willing to do their pen very well.”

The bishop continued:

“Nigeria is on fire already, and it’s not good for journalists to become petrol. Whenever you pour petrol on a fire, it will explode.”

He urged media practitioners to remember that Nigeria remains their home and that their reports should contribute to peace rather than division.

“Please, I am pleading with them, they should use their pen very well, because we don’t have any other country except Nigeria.”

Referring to the experiences of Nigerians abroad, Bishop Obukpo noted that many countries are increasingly encouraging foreigners to return home.

He said this should remind Nigerians of the need to build a peaceful and prosperous nation through responsible actions, including ethical journalism.

Industry Perspective

Media experts have consistently argued that journalism serves as one of democracy’s strongest accountability mechanisms.

However, they note that this responsibility must be balanced with accuracy, fairness and verification to prevent misinformation and unnecessary public tension.

Professional bodies, including the NUJ, have repeatedly emphasised ethical reporting, especially during periods of political uncertainty, security challenges and economic reforms.

What Comes Next

The thanksgiving service marked the conclusion of the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel’s 2026 Press Week activities.

Organisers said the week focused on reinforcing journalism’s role in promoting accountability, transparency and good governance while encouraging professional excellence among media practitioners.

Supporters of late Nigerian preacher Temitope Balogun Joshua, popularly known as TB Joshua, have marked the fifth anniversary of his death with prayers, tributes, and reflections on his impact on millions of followers around the w

The commemorative article, written by Lagos-based journalist and public analyst Dare Adejumo, describes the late preacher as a figure whose influence continues to shape religious discussions years after his passing.

Joshua, who died in June 2021 at the age of 57, was one of Africa’s most internationally recognised Pentecostal preachers. Through his ministry and television broadcasts, he attracted followers from across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Supporters say his teachings, charitable activities, and emphasis on faith continue to inspire believers globally.

Why it matters

TB Joshua remains one of the most influential and controversial figures in modern African Christianity.

His ministry drew millions of followers and generated significant religious tourism to Nigeria through the SCOAN headquarters in Lagos.

Even after his death, discussions about his spiritual influence, philanthropic work, prophetic ministry, and role in global Christianity continue among supporters and critics alike.

The fifth anniversary of his passing highlights how religious leaders can leave lasting social and spiritual legacies that extend beyond their lifetime.

Supporters describe lasting spiritual influence

In the article, a Christian identified as Florence Olowokere reflected on her personal reassessment of TB Joshua’s ministry.

 “I was misled by our church leaders about his divine identity making me to have said bad things about him.

According to the article, Olowokere said she later came to regret negative opinions she had previously held about the preacher.

Another supporter, Paul Odutola, argued that Joshua’s influence extends beyond his earthly ministry.

 “He had successfully completed his task before God.”

The article presents these views as examples of the deep reverence many followers continue to express toward the late preacher.

A legacy built on faith, charity and global outreach

Supporters point to Joshua’s humanitarian activities as a major part of his legacy.

Throughout his ministry, he was known for providing support to vulnerable people, funding charitable projects, assisting disaster victims, and helping Nigerians facing difficulties both at home and abroad.

Followers also credit him with promoting Christian unity and encouraging believers to focus on personal relationships with God rather than denominational divisions.

The article highlights his repeated message that Christianity should be understood primarily as a relationship with God rather than simply a religious identity.

Debate around TB Joshua’s legacy continues

While supporters celebrate his contributions, TB Joshua’s ministry also generated significant public debate during his lifetime.

His claims of prophecy, healing, and deliverance attracted both devoted followers and critics.

Religious scholars note that his influence reflects the growing global reach of African Pentecostalism, which has become one of the fastest-growing movements within Christianity.

Analysts say the continuing discussion around his life demonstrates his enduring place in Nigeria’s religious history, regardless of differing opinions about his ministry.

Evelyn Joshua continues ministry activities

The article also praises Evelyn Joshua for continuing the ministry’s activities since her husband’s death.

Supporters say she has maintained the church’s outreach programmes and preserved many of the values associated with the ministry’s founder.

The SCOAN continues to attract worshippers and visitors from around the world, reflecting the ongoing interest in TB Joshua’s teachings and legacy.

What happens next?

Religious observers expect annual commemorations of TB Joshua’s life to continue, particularly among his followers across Africa and beyond.

As African Christianity expands globally, scholars say discussions about his influence on modern Pentecostalism, faith healing, media evangelism, and charitable outreach are likely to remain part of broader conversations about religion on the continent.

Source: Based on an opinion article by Dare Adejumo. The views expressed in the original piece are those of the author and quoted supporters, and do not necessarily represent the views of NigeriaUpdates.