RCCG Pastor Hazzan supports N50,000 fine for preaching in commercial vehicles, as it’s distract drivers

Chinedum Ukaegbu

Former Deputy Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly and Assistant Pastor in Charge of Province, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Remmy Hazzan, has thrown his weight behind the proposed N50,000 fine for preaching inside commercial vehicles, saying Christians should respect and obey the law if the Federal Road Safety Corps Amendment Bill 2026 is eventually signed into law.

Hazzan stated that while Christians have a responsibility to spread the gospel and engage in evangelism, they are equally expected to respect constituted authorities and comply with lawful regulations.

The cleric made the position known on Monday while speaking during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme broadcast by Eagle 102.5FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State.

According to him, the Christian faith emphasises obedience to government and constituted authorities, adding that if the proposed legislation receives presidential assent, churches would have to educate and reorient their members on the new legal requirements.

“The Bible is very clear. We are meant to obey the government. If there hasn’t been any law restricting preaching in buses, and we’ve been preaching, that means that we’ve not been breaking any law. If a law has come in today that says don’t preach in the bus, respect that law,” he said.

He added that the church would not encourage its members to violate the law, stressing that evangelism could continue through other legitimate channels if preaching in commercial buses becomes restricted.

“If the law is signed today, we will have to do some reorientation of our people in the church. Yes, we can evangelise, but there has been a restriction now in public buses,” Hazzan said.

The former lawmaker also offered a safety-related justification for the proposed restriction, arguing that preaching inside a moving commercial vehicle could potentially distract the driver and put the lives of passengers at risk.

He explained that drivers require maximum concentration while operating their vehicles and that any activity capable of diverting their attention from the road could have serious consequences.

“The reason is that if you look at it logically, you can be preaching and the driver too will get engrossed in the message you are passing, and every driver needs 100 per cent concentration, no distraction, and if you succeed in distracting the driver, you endanger the lives of every occupant of the vehicle,” he explained.

Hazzan, however, noted that he had yet to study the complete provisions of the proposed legislation and therefore could not give a definitive interpretation of how the restriction would be applied.

He suggested that the final version of the law might make distinctions between preaching inside moving vehicles and other circumstances, such as preaching in a stationary bus.

“Maybe that may not apply to a stationary bus, as we have not seen the details of the law. Maybe when we read it, we’ll be able to streamline our compliance in a way that the law will not be broken,” he said.

Beyond the debate over preaching in commercial vehicles, Hazzan used the opportunity to call on churches and Christian organisations to strengthen their contribution to good governance and nation-building.

He argued that the church should play a constructive role in shaping society by raising morally upright leaders, promoting accountability and encouraging its members in public office to serve with integrity.

According to him, the church does not necessarily have to become partisan to influence political and governance processes, stressing that partisan politics could create divisions within religious institutions.

“You don’t even need to be partisan in any manner whatsoever because partisanship can even destroy the church system,” he stated.

He urged churches to continue to advocate for good governance and make their positions known on issues affecting the welfare and development of the country, while avoiding unnecessary partisan affiliations.

“The church should also sustain its level of good governance advocacy. Without being partisan, just let it be known where you stand,” Hazzan said.
The cleric further called on religious organisations to establish effective internal mechanisms for addressing misconduct among their members, particularly those holding public positions.

He said churches should not shy away from correcting members who abuse public trust or engage in actions that contradict the moral values and teachings of the Christian faith.

“Every church should have a mechanism for calling its members to order, especially when they get things wrong,” he added.

Hazzan’s comments come amid discussions surrounding proposed amendments to road safety regulations and the possible introduction of sanctions against certain activities carried out inside commercial vehicles.

While supporters of the proposal may argue that it is necessary to protect road users from distractions and promote safer transportation, concerns have also been raised about the potential implications for religious freedom and evangelism.

The former Deputy Speaker’s position, however, was that Christians could continue to evangelise while respecting any lawful restriction that may ultimately be enacted.

He maintained that the church’s responsibility extends beyond preaching to promoting responsible citizenship, supporting good governance, encouraging ethical leadership and ensuring that its members remain accountable to the laws of the country.

He therefore called for a balanced approach in which religious organisations continue to fulfil their spiritual responsibilities while also respecting regulations designed to protect public safety and maintain order.