Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has announced that security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Police, Civil Defence, and the military, will help enforce a new law compelling preachers to submit their sermons for vetting.
Speaking on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, Bago defended the move as a safeguard against dangerous and inciting messages that could threaten peace and security.
“I didn’t ban evangelism. For anybody going to sermon on a Friday, he should bring his scriptures for review, and it’s normal.
“Even in Saudi Arabia, it’s done like that. 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.
The governor stressed that the initiative is aimed at preventing indoctrination and will be implemented with the backing of security operatives.
When asked if the law was motivated by fears of radical preaching, Bago replied, “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.”
Earlier this month, the Director General of Niger State Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq, announced that all preachers must obtain licences within two months. Clerics will be required to complete forms, face a screening panel, and receive certification before they are allowed to preach publicly.
