Preaching That Disturbs in Small Soppo

Peter Efande

20 April 2010

Somewhere in Buea, precisely in the village of Small Soppo, there's a disturbing and recurrent phenomenon that keeps villagers glassy eyed. Armed robbers are not the problem. AIDS is not the problem either. So, what makes the people spend sleepless mornings? Simple to understand. Every blessed morning becomes nightmarish when "Men of God" (so you may call these "preachers") rudely awaken the peaceful villagers with thunderous preaching.

As if your salvation depends on them, you are a sinner and they are clean. Hear them: "Repent you these prostitutes. Repent you these 'Banga' smokers. Repent you abortionists. Holy Ghost fire! Repent you these drinkers of 'Afofo'. Repent you cocoyam thieves."

For or against what's going on, is not the onus of this piece. But there's one last but not the least question. Are the villagers of Small Soppo, who are awakened everyday at 5 a.m. not entitled to quietude and tranquility? And what does the law say?