The Niger State Government has unveiled a new policy mandating religious preachers to submit their sermons for approval before addressing congregations.
Naija News reports that Governor Umar Bago confirmed the development during an interview on Politics on Sunday, aired on TVC.
Bago stated, “I didn’t ban evangelism… For everyone going to the sermon on Friday, they should bring their scriptures for review, and it’s normal. Even in Saudi Arabia, this is done.”
According to him, the move is aimed at curbing harmful and inciting messages against the people or the government.
“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.
Governor Bago disclosed that security agencies will collaborate with the state government to monitor the content of sermons.
“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.
In addition to the sermon review policy, the state government has also introduced a licensing requirement for preachers.
Earlier this month, the head of Niger State Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq, announced that clerics have two months to apply for the new licence.
Farooq said, “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.”
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