PFN President Vows to Defy Proposed Restriction on Bus Preaching, Calls on Christians to Continue Evangelism
The National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), , has declared that Pentecostal Christians across the country would continue preaching the Gospel in commercial buses and other public places despite reports of a proposed restriction on such activities.
Speaking during a church gathering, Bishop Oke compared the current situation to the persecution faced by the early Church, saying Christians must remain committed to the Great Commission regardless of opposition. He maintained that believers have a divine mandate to preach the Gospel to all nations.
According to him, if any law is enacted to prohibit preaching in commercial buses, Christians should be prepared to disregard such a law in obedience to God’s command. He argued that the instruction to evangelise, as recorded in the Bible, takes precedence over any human regulation that seeks to restrict it.
Bishop Oke also urged government authorities to reconsider any policy that would limit public evangelism. He said that if enforcement of such a law results in mass arrests, authorities should be prepared to accommodate a large number of Christians, whom he claimed would willingly accept imprisonment rather than abandon their faith.
The PFN President, who said he leads millions of Pentecostal Christians across Nigeria, encouraged believers to continue preaching in buses, taxis and other public spaces. He insisted that Christians should not be intimidated by threats of arrest, describing evangelism as a non-negotiable responsibility of every believer.
He questioned what he described as the government’s priorities, alleging that greater attention should be devoted to tackling insecurity, including terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes, rather than focusing on religious preaching in public transportation.
Bishop Oke further argued that the Christian message has transformed countless lives and promotes peace and moral values. He therefore expressed disappointment that peaceful evangelism could become the subject of legislative concern while criminal activities continue to threaten many communities.
In his address, the cleric criticised lawmakers and officials backing the reported proposal, warning that leaders who enact policies perceived as hostile to religious freedom would ultimately be accountable before God. He called on such individuals to reconsider their position and embrace repentance.
The PFN leader also referenced the persistent security challenges in parts of the country, including incidents of kidnapping and insurgency. He questioned why, in his view, efforts to address those challenges appear insufficient while attention is allegedly being directed toward restricting Christian evangelism.
Bishop Oke maintained that the Church would remain steadfast in its mission, declaring that no government or institution could prevent Christians from proclaiming the Gospel. He described the Church as resilient and determined to continue its evangelical activities across Nigeria.
His comments have drawn attention amid ongoing public discussions about the regulation of preaching and the use of public spaces for religious activities. While supporters view his remarks as a defence of religious freedom, others have called for dialogue that balances constitutional rights with public order and the rights of other commuters.
As of the time of filing this report, there had been no official response from the Nigerian Senate regarding the specific claims made by the PFN President. It also remains unclear whether any proposed legislation seeking to prohibit preaching in commercial buses has been formally introduced or passed. The issue is expected to continue generating debate among religious organisations, lawmakers and civil society groups.