Clerics to submit sermons for approval, Niger govt says
Niger State Government has announced that clerics in the State must submit their sermons for review and approval before delivering them in public.
The new policy was confirmed by the Niger State Governor, Umar Bago while appearing on TVC’s Politics on Sunday.
The Governor stated that the policy is a preventive measure against inciteful messages, adding that security agencies would collaborate with the State to enforce the policy.
“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,” Bago said.
“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,” the Governor added.
The Head of Niger State Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq had also said earlier in the month that clerics must obtain preaching licences within two months. This is in addition to the sermon approval policy.
“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 to 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 said.
