The Niger State Government has introduced a policy requiring religious preachers to submit their sermons for approval before delivering them publicly.
Governor Umar Bago confirmed the new measure during an interview on TVC’s Politics on Sunday.
Bago explained that the measure is aimed at ensuring that sermons do not contain messages that are harmful to the people or the government.
“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,” Bago said.
“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.”
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.”
The government also said preachers must get a licence before preaching. Umar Farooq, the head of Niger State Religious Affairs, earlier this month said preachers have two months to apply for this licence.
“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,” Farooq had said.
