The Concerned Christian Youth Forum has rejected the new religious preaching law introduced by the Niger State government, calling it “ill-advised, discriminatory and oppressive.”
The law requires preachers to submit their sermons for approval before delivering them publicly. Clerics must also apply for a license, face a screening panel, and obtain certification within two months through the state’s Religious Affairs Department.
Governor Umar Bago defended the policy during a TVC interview, saying it is not a ban on evangelism but a step to prevent harmful messages.
“This measure is needed to stop preaching that might be anti-people, anti-government, or incite unrest,” Bago said.
He added that the law would be enforced with the help of the Department of State Services, the Police, the Civil Defence, and the military.
But in a statement signed on Wednesday by its convener, Paul Adama, the Christian forum said the policy amounts to religious censorship and violates the Constitution.
“This is nothing short of religious censorship and a gross violation of the fundamental human rights of the people,” the group said.
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The forum pointed to Sections 38 and 39 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, as well as international charters such as Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which protect freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
“These key UN instruments provide freedom to practice or express religion and prohibit all forms of discrimination and incitement,” it added.
The group warned that religion is a sensitive issue in Nigeria and urged the state government to drop the law in the interest of peace and justice.
“We appeal to the government of Niger State to jettison forthwith the law subjecting preachers to mandatory licensing and requiring sermon notes for approval,” the forum said.
It also advised the government to focus on insecurity, poverty, and underdevelopment instead of restricting religious freedom.
“Tackling poverty, insecurity, poor infrastructure, and underdevelopment should be the concerns of any well-meaning government and not stifling religious freedom,” the statement added.