Umar Bago, governor of Niger State, has warned preachers in the state to first submit their sermons for approval before relaying them to their congregation.

The governor made this statement on Sunday, September 14, while responding to questions in an interview on Nigeria’s TVC.

He clarified some aspects of the law seeking to regulate preaching in the state.

“I didn’t ban evangelism… For everyone going to sermon on Friday, bring his scriptures for review, and it’s normal. Even in Saudi Arabia, this is done.

“We cannot say because you have been given the opportunity to be a cleric, you will go out and preach the gospel that is anti-people and anti-government, and you think it’s normal,” he said.

When asked if it was out of fear of indoctrination, the governor said it was in that direction.

The Nigerian security services, including

The Department of State Services (DSS), the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the military have been tasked to ensure compliance.