Bago: Security agencies to enforce approval of sermons in Niger

Bago: Security agencies to enforce approval of sermons in Niger

 

Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has said the Department of State Services (DSS), the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the military will help enforce the state’s new policy requiring clerics to submit sermons for approval before preaching.

 

Speaking on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, Bago explained that the move was aimed at curbing inciting and extremist 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,” the governor said.

 

He stressed that while freedom of religion is guaranteed, the state cannot allow clerics to use the pulpit to spread anti-people or anti-government messages.

 

Earlier this month, the Director-General of the Niger State Religious Affairs Department, Umar Farooq, announced that all preachers must obtain licences within two months. The process involves filling forms, facing a screening panel, and securing certification before being allowed to preach publicly.

 

Bago said the screening and approval process would prevent indoctrination and radical teachings. “We want to be able to see what they are preaching, hear what they are saying. That is why we are working together with security agencies,” he added.

 

The policy, which has drawn mixed reactions across the state, is expected to be fully implemented after the modalities are finalised by the Head of Service, Abubakar Sadiq Idris.