Umar Bago
Source: Africa Publicity
Nigeria’s Niger State Governor Umar Bago has stated that preachers in the state must submit their sermons for approval before delivering them.
Speaking on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, the governor addressed key aspects of the new law aimed at regulating preaching in the state.
He said:
“I didn’t ban evangelism… For everyone going to sermon on Friday, he should bring his scriptures for review, and it’s normal. Even in Saudi Arabia, this is done. We cannot say because you have been given the opportunity to be a cleric, you will go out and preach the gospel that is anti-people, anti-government and you think it’s normal.”
When asked whether the move was motivated by concerns over indoctrination, he responded:
“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.”
The directive was first made public earlier this month.
The Director General of the Niger State Religious Affairs Board, Umar Farooq, announced that anyone intending to preach in the state must obtain a licence, with a two-month window provided for compliance.
Farooq said:
“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 to 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.”