The Niger State Government has directed religious clerics to submit their sermons for vetting and approval before addressing congregations, in line with a new policy introduced in the state.
Governor Umar Bago confirmed the development during an interview on Politics on Sunday aired on TVC.
“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,” the governor explained.
According to him, the move is aimed at curbing harmful or inciting messages against the people and the government.
“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 think it’s normal,” Bago said.
He added that security agencies would work closely with the state government to monitor the content of sermons.
“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, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the military,” the governor stated.
In addition to the sermon review policy, the government has also introduced a licensing requirement for clerics.
Earlier this month, the head of the Niger State Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq, announced that preachers have two months to apply for the new 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 visit our office, get and fill out the form. After which, they will face a panel that will screen them before they can start preaching,” Farooq said.
