Eric Patrick
Anambra state Governor Chukwuma Soludo has issued a stiff warning to street preachers employing loudspeakers in public spaces, especially in market areas.
The governor charged them with causing noise pollution and disrupting the peace of the residents.
A video currently making the rounds on social media and seen by First News on Saturday, captured when Soludu was issuing the warning.
Soludo declared that anyone caught breaching the state’s noise pollution laws would face a penalty of ₦500,000.
Soludu, in a separate video, was captured addressing an unidentified roadside preacher in a popular Anambra market, instructing the preacher to cease disturbing traders with his loud preaching.
“If you want to preach, go to your church or rent a space not to be in the market disturbing other people with your noise, those that want to listen to you will come to your church,” he said.
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Soludu said, “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.
“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.
“This is a marketplace, not a church. You are violating the law. You cannot take over a public space and turn it into a church. Otherwise, you will be charged for using this space.
“You will pay ₦500,000 because we cannot allow this. We have banned loudspeakers in markets due to noise pollution, which affects people’s eardrums. You cannot force people to listen to your preaching. We are cracking down on fake pastors and prophets in Anambra.”