Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has warned preachers against using loudspeakers in public spaces, particularly markets, accusing them of causing noise pollution and disturbing residents.

Soludo stated that anyone caught violating the noise pollution order would face a ?500,000 fine.

A viral video circulating on social media on Saturday showed the governor warning an unidentified roadside preacher at a market to stop disrupting traders with his preaching.

He advised the preacher to either preach in a church or rent an open field, adding that those interested in listening would seek him out there.

• Building with 104 rooms razed as fire wreaks havoc in Kwara
• Environmentalist demands ban of single-use plastics in Edo

Addressing traders at a market, the governor said, “If you want to preach the word of God, go to your church. You are causing noise pollution here. You cannot come to a marketplace and disturb everyone.

“If you want to preach, go to a church. Those who want to listen will come to you; you cannot force people in the market to hear your message.

“This is a marketplace, not a church. You are violating the law. You cannot take over a public space and turn it into a church. Otherwise, you will be charged for using this space.

“You will pay ?500,000 because we cannot allow this. We have banned loudspeakers in markets due to noise pollution, which affects people’s eardrums. You cannot force people to listen to your preaching. We are cracking down on fake pastors and prophets in Anambra.”