Salvation Ministries founder, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has strongly criticized proposals or actions aimed at restricting Christian preaching, calling on authorities to respect the constitutional rights of believers to freely practice and share their faith. The cleric argued that Christians should be allowed to worship, evangelize, and express their religious beliefs peacefully without unnecessary interference, provided they do so within the bounds of the law and with respect for public order. According to Ibiyeomie, freedom of religion and freedom of expression are fundamental rights that should be protected in a democratic society, stressing that any policy perceived as limiting peaceful preaching could generate unnecessary tension and misunderstandings among citizens. He urged government officials to engage religious leaders through dialogue whenever concerns arise instead of adopting measures that could be interpreted as targeting a particular faith. The pastor also appealed to Christians to remain law-abiding, conduct evangelism responsibly, and promote peace, love, tolerance, and mutual respect in their interactions with people of other religious backgrounds. His comments have sparked widespread reactions across religious and public circles, with many emphasizing the importance of balancing constitutional freedoms with the need to maintain public order and harmony. Observers note that issues involving religious expression often require careful consultation to ensure that the rights of all citizens are respected while preserving peaceful coexistence in diverse communities. As discussions continue, stakeholders have called for constructive engagement between government authorities, religious organizations, and community leaders to foster understanding, protect civil liberties, and strengthen national unity through dialogue and respect for the rule of law.
