The Digest:
Niger State Governor Umar Bago has defended his controversial regulation requiring preachers to submit their sermons for approval, citing security concerns and the need to maintain order. Reactions from religious leaders have been divided.
Key Points:
- Governor Bago asserts the regulation aims to prevent messages that may incite unrest or challenge government authority.
- Preachers must submit their sermons for review before delivery, similar to practices in countries like Saudi Arabia.
- The regulation is supported by the Director-General of Religious Affairs, who confirms that preachers must obtain a license within two months.
- Reactions to the policy have been split, with some clerics opposing the ban as an infringement on freedom of religion.
- Chief Imam Bashir Yankuzo supports government action against incitement but opposes a general ban on preaching.
- Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) says it has not been officially informed about the ban.
- Islamic scholar Uthman Siraja condemns the policy, calling it an attack on religious freedom.
Governor Bago’s controversial policy to regulate sermons and require preachers to submit their messages for review has sparked both support and opposition, raising concerns over religious freedom and government control
Sources: TVC, Vanguard, TheCable
