Gov Bago’s Sermon Approval Rule in Niger State Threatens Free Speech – Lawyer

Human rights lawyer, Maduabuchi Idam, has strongly criticized Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, for directing religious preachers in the state to submit their sermons for official approval before delivering them to their congregations.

In a personally signed statement, Idam described the directive as an attempt to stifle free speech and regulate religious expression. He raised concerns about the implications of such a policy, especially given the ongoing security challenges facing the state.

“The Governor of Niger State asking clerics to submit their sermons for approval before addressing their congregations is one of the most blatant recent attempts to suppress free speech and, by extension, police religion,” Idam said.

He questioned the governor’s priorities, noting that Niger State continues to struggle with widespread insecurity, including banditry and the loss of control in several local government areas.

“It is alarming that a governor, in a state so severely affected by insecurity, appears more concerned with monitoring sermons than deploying strategic efforts to reclaim areas under the control of criminal elements,” he added.

Idam also shared a testimony from one of his clients from Chiroro Local Government Area, who described the dire situation in the region, where residents reportedly live in constant fear and allegedly pay money to bandits in exchange for their safety.

“The governor, unfortunately, seems more focused on listening to preachers than on gathering intelligence to address the worsening security crisis,” he concluded, urging Governor Bago to prioritize the protection of lives and property over sermon regulation.