Niger State Governor Umar Bago has announced that various security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the police, Civil Defence, and the military, will play a crucial role in implementing a new law that mandates preachers to submit their sermons for approval.
In an interview on TVC’s Politics this past Sunday, Bago defended this initiative as a vital measure to prevent the dissemination of incendiary messages that could threaten public peace and security.
“I am not prohibiting evangelism. Anyone delivering a sermon on Friday is required to submit their scriptures for review, which is standard practice,” he explained. “This is similar to procedures followed in Saudi Arabia. We cannot allow individuals, simply because they hold clerical positions, to preach messages that are harmful to society or the government and consider it acceptable.”
The governor emphasized that this initiative aims to curb indoctrination, with enforcement supported by security personnel.
When questioned whether the measure stems from concerns of indoctrination, he affirmed, “That is indeed part of the rationale. We seek to understand what is being preached and discuss it with security agencies, including the DSS, police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the military.”
Earlier this month, Umar Farooq, the Director General of Niger State Religious Affairs, announced that all preachers in the state would be required to obtain licenses within two months. Clerics will need to fill out application forms, undergo a screening process, and receive certification before being permitted to preach publicly.
