The Concerned Christian Youth Forum (CCYF) has condemned a new law introduced by Governor Umar Bago of Niger State requiring preachers to submit their sermons for government approval before delivery.
In a statement signed by its Convener, James Paul Adama, and made available to journalists in Abuja, the forum described the policy as “ill-thought, oppressive, discriminatory, and anti-religious.”
The law, which mandates all preachers in Niger State to seek clearance for their sermons, has sparked outrage among faith-based groups and civil rights advocates.
CCYF argued that the move amounts to religious censorship and a violation of constitutional rights enshrined in Sections 38 and 39 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
The group also cited international charters, including Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which protect freedom of religion and belief.
“Religion is a highly sensitive matter, and it is expected of any well-meaning government to handle it with caution, not with repressive laws,” the statement read.
The forum accused Governor Bago of diverting attention from Niger State’s pressing challenges, including insecurity, poverty, lack of basic infrastructure, and a literacy rate far below the national average.
They argued that rather than policing sermons, the government should prioritise tackling widespread poverty, unemployment, and insecurity affecting millions of residents.
“We stand for religious sanity and denounce every form of inflammatory speech, but this law is retrogressive and must be withdrawn immediately,” CCYF declared.
The forum called on the state government to respect the Nigerian Constitution and United Nations charters on religious freedom, warning that the policy threatens peace and good governance.
