By Abiola Olawale
Niger State Governor Umar Bago has announced the introduction of a policy requiring religious leaders to submit their sermons for government approval before delivering them to congregations.
The governor asserted that the directive is aimed at curbing potential hate speech and indoctrination.
Bago, speaking with TVC, clarified that the policy does not outrighly ban evangelism but insists on mandatory pre-approval to ensure sermons align with public order and national security.
He stated: “I didn’t ban evangelism… For everyone going to the sermon on Friday, they should bring their scriptures for review, and it’s normal. Even in Saudi Arabia, this is done.
“We cannot say because you have been allowed to be a cleric, you will go out and preach the gospel that is anti-people, anti-government and you think it’s normal.”
Governor Bago also said security agencies, including the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Civil Defence, and the military, will work with the government to monitor sermons.
“It’s in that direction. We want to be able to see what they are preaching, hear what they are saying. We are working together with security agencies; the Department of State Services (DSS), the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the military.”
This came after Umar Farooq, the head of Niger State Religious Affairs, earlier this month confirmed that preachers in the state have two months to apply for a licence.
Farooq said that preachers must get a licence before preaching.
“It is true, the State Government has banned preaching. Any preacher who wants to preach must secure a licence between now and the next two months.”
“All they need to do is visit our office, get, and fill out the form. After which, they will have to face a panel that will screen them before they can start preaching,” Farooq had said.
