Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has issued a warning to preachers, urging them to refrain from using loudspeakers in public spaces, particularly markets, accusing them of causing noise pollution and disturbing residents.
Soludo declared that anyone caught violating the noise pollution regulation would face a fine of N500,000.
A viral video circulating on social media on Saturday showed the governor warning an unidentified roadside preacher at a market to stop disrupting traders with his sermon.
He advised the preacher to either preach in a church or rent an open field, adding that those interested in listening would seek him out there.
Addressing traders at the market, the governor 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 N500,000 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.”
