The Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef has stated that the State Government, under the leadership of Governor Ambode, has no plan to license religious preachers as been speculated by some, saying such speculation is not only misleading but a disservice to the residents of the state.
Speaking on Monday at a One-Day Stakeholders Forum, themed: “Noise: The Unwanted Menace For Urban Development”, organized by the Lagos State Environment Protection Agency (LASEPA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Dr. Abdul Lateef stressed that religious exercise or worship is purely an individual matter under the constitution which should not be interfered with by any Government.
He however called for caution on the part of religious leaders and followers, who are seen as critical stakeholders and developmental partners to the Government, explaining that their constitution guaranteed right to worship stops when it starts to impede on the the right of others.
The Commissioner reiterated that, although the use of external speakers, the ringing of church bells and call to prayers do not constitute noise pollution, if such external speakers are immediately turned off after the call to prayers and preaching limited to the internal public address systems within the confines of the mosque or church.
He therefore enjoined adherents of the Islamic and Christian faiths to imbibe the culture of tolerance in their religious practices in order not to run foul of the State Laws on noise pollution.
In their individual remark, Prof. Tajudeen Gbadamosi, President, Muslim Community of Lagos State (MCLS) and Elder (Dr.) Israel Akinadero, Secretary, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) commended the State Government for coming up with the maiden edition of the stakeholders’ forum, pledging to support and comply with state laws on noise pollution.
