Gov Bago moves to regulate sermons in Niger

Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has said that preachers in the state must first submit their sermons for approval before relaying to their congregation.

Governor Bago made this statement on Sunday while responding to questions in an interview on TVC.

He also gave some clarifications on some aspects of the law seeking to regulate preaching in the state.

“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,” he said.

When asked if it was out of fear of indoctrination, the governor said, it was in that direction.

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“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 added.

The development, which first became public earlier in the month, has generated controversy.

The Director General of the Niger State Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq, had said anyone interested in preaching in Niger must obtain a licence, emphasising that preachers had two months to obtain their licences.

“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.”