- Safiu Kehinde
Niger State Governor, Uma Bago, has issued a directive demanding all religious clerics in the state to submit their sermons for government approval before delivering them publicly.
Bago made this known while speaking in an interview on TVC’s Politics on Sunday.
Defending the directive, the Niger governor explained that the development is aimed at curbing harmful or inciting preaching that are anti-people and anti-government.
He disclosed that security agencies have been engaged in enforcement of the directive which according to him is also in practice in Saudi Arabia.
“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.”
“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,” He said.
Bago also announced the implementation of a licensing system for preachers with the head of Niger State Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq, stating earlier this month that clerics must secure licences within two months.
“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.