Why we want clerics in Niger to submit sermons for vetting – Gov Bago

By Ayox Ojo

Niger governor, Umar Bago has explained why his administration introduced a policy of vetting sermons of religious leaders before before they deliver them in public.

The Niger Government has also recently asked preachers to apply for license to preach in the state.

According to Umar Farooq, head of Niger State Religious Affairs, clerics must obtain licences within two months for them to continue preaching.

Speaking when he appeared on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, Bago confirmed and offered justifications for the policies.

He affirmed that the policy were intended to stop preaching of prevent harmful or inciteful messages.

“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,” he said when asked if the policy was intended to curb indoctrination in the state.

“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.

Recall that the policy has generated controversies in the state with many religious leaders faulting it and the practicality of its implementation.

The Chief Imam of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Bashir Yankuzo in reaction said the government cannot dictate who to preach to and who not to preach.

He, however acknowledged that government can control those who want to use the opportunity of preaching to cause violence in order to maintain peace and security in the state.

Also, secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Niger state chapter, Raphael Opawoye, said the association has not been informed of the new law