Activist lawyer Maduabuchi Idam has criticized Niger State Governor Umar Bago for instructing preachers to submit their sermons for government approval before addressing their congregations.
Idam described the governor’s directive as an attempt to curb free speech and control religious expression in the state.
In a statement, he expressed concern that the move comes amid growing insecurity in Niger State. “The Governor of Niger State asking clerics to submit their sermons for approval before preaching is the highest attempt in recent times to gag free speech and police religion,” Idam said.
He added, “To think that a governor in a state ravaged by insecurity is focusing on monitoring sermons rather than intelligence gathering and reclaiming areas under siege by bandits raises serious questions about leadership priorities.”
Idam also highlighted the plight of residents in Chiroro Local Government, describing them as virtually helpless. “A client of mine from Chiroro told me that residents feel they almost pay rent to bandits just to protect their lives, as the state government has been largely incapacitated,” he said.
The lawyer accused Governor Bago of prioritizing the monitoring of religious messages over addressing pressing security challenges. “The governor should focus on intelligence gathering and restoring safety in the state rather than scrutinizing sermons preached in religious homes,” Idam stressed.
