The Senate has addressed misconceptions surrounding the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, 2007 amendment, specifically regarding the prohibition of hawking and preaching in commercial transport. Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, representing the Senate Leader’s office, clarified that these activities were already illegal under existing laws established in 2007 and reinforced by the 2012 National Road Traffic Regulations.
These prohibitions are not new additions; they remain part of the legislation as itemized in the second schedule of the act. Senator Bamidele emphasized that the proposed bill does not target religious expression on public streets. Instead, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of commuters and vehicle operators. The legislation aims to address traffic order rather than curtail religious freedom.
Senator Bamidele also noted that the bill originated in the House of Representatives and requires Senate concurrence to be enacted, as mandated by the 1999 Constitution. He encouraged citizens and interested parties to present their feedback to relevant legislative bodies while the amendment process remains active.
