I banned noise pollution, not evangelism – Gov Soludo
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has r
deo surfaced online showing him confronting an itinerant preacher in a busy market in Onitsha. The video went viral, sparking heated debates among Nigerians, with many misinterpreting the governor’s actions as a ban on evangelism. In the footage, Governor Soludo can be seen warning the preacher to stop creating a disturbance with loud preaching in the marketplace, citing the state’s laws against noise pollution.
However, Soludo swiftly clarified his position, stating that he had not banned evangelism but rather noise pollution. He emphasized that the law in question was specifically designed to regulate excessive noise in public spaces and that it should not be construed as a restriction on religious preaching. The governor’s statement has ignited a wider conversation about noise pollution, public health laws, and the balance between religious freedom and public order in Nigeria.
The controversy began when a video of Governor Soludo addressing the preacher in Onitsha Market emerged online. In the video, the governor, flanked by his aides, approached an unidentified preacher who was loudly speaking through a megaphone, preaching to passersby. Soludo reprimanded the preacher for disturbing the public, pointing out that such actions violated the Anambra State Public Health Law, which prohibits noise pollution in public places.
“Take your preaching to the church or a designated place,” Soludo said in the video, his tone firm but composed. He warned the preacher that anyone caught violating the noise pollution law could face a fine of N500,000, an amount that would serve as a deterrent for further violations. The governor’s direct intervention in this instance stirred a mix of reactions from the public, with many questioning whether the governor had overstepped by intervening in a matter that they believed was related to religious freedom.
The footage quickly went viral, with many social media users weighing in on the matter. Some viewed the governor’s actions as an attack on religious expression, while others applauded his effort to maintain public order and peace. The rapid spread of the video led to an outcry, with many assuming that Governor Soludo was attempting to ban evangelism outright.
As expected, the public reaction to the video was divided. Some Nigerians expressed strong disapproval of the governor’s stance, accusing him of infringing on the rights of individuals to freely practice their religion. These critics argued that the governor’s warning, which came amid an atmosphere of religious fervor, signaled an authoritarian approach to religious freedom.
Others, however, defended Soludo, arguing that he was simply enforcing the law against noise pollution, a practice that many Nigerians see as disruptive and a threat to public health. These defenders pointed out that the governor’s actions were consistent with the principles of good governance, which involve balancing public welfare with individual freedoms.
Among the voices that supported Soludo were those who highlighted the negative impact of excessive noise in urban centers, particularly in densely populated markets like Onitsha. Markets are often bustling, noisy environments where traders and shoppers already deal with noise from vendors and the general hum of commerce. The addition of loud preaching or public announcements can create an even more chaotic environment, making it difficult for people to focus, carry out their business, or engage in peaceful activities.
For many, the issue of noise pollution was not just about the discomfort caused by loud preaching but also about the public health implications. Studies have shown that excessive noise can have detrimental effects on mental health, leading to conditions such as stress, anxiety, and even hearing loss. In cities like Onitsha, where markets are typically crowded, the impact of noise on both the health and well-being of the residents is a legitimate concern.
In the face of mounting criticism, Governor Soludo responded by issuing a statement through the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor. The statement clarified that the governor’s actions were not meant to target evangelism but to address the issue of noise pollution in public spaces.
“The Anambra State Government wishes to address the misconstrued reports surrounding Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s recent encounter with an itinerant preacher at Onitsha Market,” the statement began. “The governor’s remarks were wrongly interpreted as a ban on evangelism, whereas his concern was solely about noise pollution, which is prohibited under an existing public health law.”
Mefor went on to explain that the governor had merely enforced the Anambra State Public Health Law of 2006, which bans excessive noise in public places such as markets, roads, and residential areas. He pointed out that this law had been in place for years, with the aim of protecting public health and ensuring that individuals were not disturbed by loud noises that could negatively impact their daily lives.
The statement also emphasized that the governor’s remarks should not be seen as an attack on religious practices. Instead, it was an effort to remind preachers and religious groups that they should carry out their activities in designated spaces such as churches or other appropriate locations where people can engage voluntarily without disrupting others. “He advised preachers to conduct their activities in churches or designated locations where people can willingly participate without disrupting others’ daily activities,” Mefor said in the statement.
The governor’s clarification helped to shed light on his position and calm some of the public’s fears. He reiterated that he had no intention of preventing people from spreading their religious messages, but rather sought to maintain public order and ensure that all citizens could go about their business without undue disturbance.
The crux of the controversy lies in the Anambra State Public Health Law of 2006, which is designed to regulate noise pollution in public spaces. The law specifically addresses the use of loudspeakers and other sound amplification devices in markets, residential areas, and public roads. It outlines measures to ensure that noise levels remain within acceptable limits and that no individual or group disrupts the peace and tranquility of the public.
Under this law, individuals and organizations that violate noise pollution regulations can be fined, with penalties that range from monetary fines to possible imprisonment for repeated offenders. For example, as Governor Soludo noted in the viral video, individuals who engage in loud preaching or public announcements in markets can face fines of up to N500,000, a significant amount that serves as a deterrent.
The law was put in place to protect citizens from the harmful effects of excessive noise, which can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health. Noise pollution is known to cause a range of health problems, including hearing loss, high blood pressure, and increased stress levels. In a bustling city like Onitsha, where markets are filled with traders and customers, noise is already a major concern, and adding loud preaching or public speeches only compounds the problem.
Governor Soludo’s intervention in this case reflects his commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring that public spaces remain conducive to the well-being of all citizens. His approach is grounded in a desire to protect public health, not to restrict religious expression.
Governor Soludo’s enforcement of the noise pollution law is not without precedent. In 2019, a magistrate’s court in Nnewi, a city in Anambra State, upheld the Public Health Law in a case involving a church that violated noise pollution regulations. The church had been using loudspeakers in an area that was deemed inappropriate, disturbing the peace of the surrounding community. The court ruled in favor of the law, emphasizing that the right to freedom of religion does not give individuals or organizations the right to cause harm or discomfort to others.
The 2019 case served as a landmark legal decision, affirming the right of the government to regulate noise pollution in order to protect public health and order. The case also set a legal precedent for future actions against noise violations in Anambra State, making it clear that the government had the authority to enforce public health laws without infringing on citizens’ fundamental rights.
In light of this precedent, Governor Soludo’s actions were consistent with both the letter and the spirit of the law. By confronting the preacher in Onitsha Market, he was merely reiterating the state’s commitment to maintaining public order and ensuring that noise pollution regulations were upheld.
The controversy also highlights the delicate balance between religious freedom and public order. In Nigeria, where religion plays a significant role in the lives of many citizens, the right to preach and spread religious messages is a cherished one. However, this right must be balanced with the responsibility to respect the rights of others and ensure that public spaces remain peaceful and conducive to daily activities.
Governor Soludo’s stance on noise pollution is rooted in this balance. He does not seek to ban evangelism or religious preaching but aims to regulate the use of loudspeakers and other amplification devices that can disrupt public order. His call for preachers to conduct their activities in designated spaces such as churches is an effort to preserve the rights of all citizens, including those who may not wish to participate in religious activities.
The governor’s intervention raises important questions about the intersection of religion and public life. While it is essential to protect the right to religious expression, it is equally important to ensure that this expression does not infringe upon the rights of others to live in peace and tranquility. As Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of religious freedom and public order, Governor Soludo’s actions offer a reminder that governance requires a careful balance of competing interests.
In conclusion, Governor Charles Soludo has made it clear that his actions were not meant to restrict evangelism or religious expression in Anambra State. Instead, his intervention was a response to the growing problem of noise pollution in public spaces, particularly in markets like Onitsha, where the combination of commercial activities and loud preaching can create chaos and discomfort for residents and visitors alike.
Governor Soludo’s clarification serves as a reminder that public health laws exist to protect citizens’ well-being and to ensure that public spaces remain conducive to peaceful living. While religious freedom is a fundamental right, it must be exercised responsibly, and activities that disrupt the peace of the public must be regulated.
As the debate surrounding Soludo’s actions continues, it is crucial for all stakeholders to recognize the importance of balancing religious freedom with the need for public order. By doing so, Nigeria can ensure that its citizens’ rights are respected while maintaining the peace and harmony necessary for a functioning society.
