Niger Governor Orders Sermon Clearance to Curb Hate Speech

Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has directed that all religious leaders submit their sermons for clearance before delivery, a move he says is aimed at curbing hate speech and protecting public peace.

                              

Speaking on TVC’s Politics program on Sunday, Bago stressed that the policy is not a ban on evangelism but a measure to ensure sermons do not incite unrest.

Bago explained:

• “I didn’t ban evangelism. For anyone going to deliver a sermon on Friday, he should bring his scriptures for review, and it’s normal. Even in Saudi Arabia, this is done.”

• “We cannot allow clerics to go out and preach things that are anti-people or anti-government and think it is normal.”

He added that the DSS, police, NSCDC, and the military will work with the state government to monitor compliance.

Earlier, the Director-General of State Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq, announced that:

• Anyone intending to preach in Niger State must secure a license within two months.

• Preachers would be required to complete a form and appear before a panel before authorization.

The directive has sparked divided opinions among religious leaders:

• Bashir Yankuzo, Chief Imam of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, said:

  • “Preaching is a command, and people do it for the sake of God. But if someone uses abusive words or poses a security threat, government can step in to maintain peace.”

• Raphael Opawoye, Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, said the group had not been formally notified and would only respond after receiving official communication.