BREAKING: Niger State Orders Preachers To Submit Sermons For Approval
In a move that has sparked intense debate, the Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has directed that all religious preachers must submit their sermons for approval before delivering them in places of worship.
Governor Bago, who announced the directive in Minna on Monday, said the policy aims to curb the spread of hate speech, incitement, and messages that could threaten peace and security in the state.
According to him, the measure will ensure that religious messages promote unity, morality, and tolerance rather than division.
He added that a regulatory committee will be set up to vet sermons before they are delivered in churches, mosques, or public gatherings.
The governor stressed that while freedom of worship is guaranteed, it must be exercised responsibly, noting that extremists often exploit the pulpit to spread dangerous ideologies.
The decision has drawn mixed reactions across the state.
Supporters say it will help check inflammatory preaching and restore sanity in religious practice.
At the same time, critics argue that it amounts to censorship and an infringement on freedom of expression and religion.
Observers believe the development could trigger a national debate on the balance between religious freedom and state security.
