Bago Outlaws Religious Preaching in Niger State, Unless One Obtains License
Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has instituted a prohibition on all forms of religious preaching within the state, mandating that individuals who wish to preach must acquire a license.
The Director General of Niger State Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq, confirmed this prohibition during a telephone conversation on Thursday, stating that any individual desiring to preach must secure a license.
He revealed that preachers have a period of two months from today to obtain their licenses.
“It is indeed true, the State Government has banned preaching. Any preacher wishing to engage in preaching must obtain a license within the next two months.
“All they need to do is visit our office, complete the necessary form, and subsequently appear before a panel for screening before commencing their preaching,” Farooq stated.
The Chief Imam of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Bashir Yankuzo, responded to the ban, asserting that the government cannot hinder preaching.
“In my opinion, preaching is a divine command. The government does not remunerate individuals for this task; people preach to attain divine favor. Therefore, the government cannot dictate who is allowed to preach,” Yankuzo said.
The secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Niger State chapter, Raphael Opawoye, remarked that the Christian body is unaware of the ban.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria has not been informed of the ban. We shall issue a statement once we receive official notification,” he stated.
An Islamic scholar, Ustaz Hassan, also responded to the ban, asserting, “This legislation requires proper legislative scrutiny by the State House of Assembly.”
Uthman Siraja, a Minna-based journalist and Islamic scholar, criticized the ban, declaring it an encroachment on religious freedoms.
“The prohibition on preaching infringes upon the freedom of worship and religion.
“The most prudent course of action for the government would be to summon and penalize any preacher who incites the public through their sermons,” he stated.
