- A viral video blazing through social media on Saturday shows Governor Soludo confronting a roadside preacher at a crowded market, ordered him to stop disrupting traders with his sermons.
- With unwavering authority, he enforced a ban backed by heavy fines, urged the preacher to take his message to a church or rent an open field
Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo has delivered a stern warning to roadside preachers blasting loudspeakers in public spaces, especially markets, condemned the disruptions and noise pollution they inflict on residents.
The politician was seen confronting a preacher, reportedly in Onitsha’s Ochanja Market, demanded an end to the disturbance, insisted the preacher find a more suitable space where only the willing would gather.
“If you want to preach the word of God, go to your church. You cannot come to a marketplace and disturb everyone,” Soludo said while addressing traders.
Reaffirming the state’s ban, Soludo declares violators will face a crushing N500,000 fine, no exceptions, no excuses.
“You cannot force people to listen to your preaching. This is a marketplace, not a church. If you want to preach, go to a church. Those who want to listen will come to you,” he added.
The governor declared a crackdown on unchecked religious activities in public spaces, vowed to root out fake pastors and prophets who exploit open areas for deception under the guise of preaching.
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This comes just days after the Anambra State government intensified its crackdown on fraudulent spiritual rackets, shut down a controversial shrine in Umuofor village, Okija, Ihiala LGA.
The shrine, allegedly operated by self-styled native doctor Ekene Igboegbueze, was sealed after locals sounded the alarm over its suspicious activities.
Reports suggest he preyed on the desperate, baiting them with grand illusions of supernatural wealth, an operation the government now classifies as a criminal enterprise.