Niger state’s sermon vetting law ‘oppressive’ – Christian forum

By Abubakar Yunusa

The Concerned Christian Youth Forum (CCYF) has condemned a new policy introduced by Governor Umar Bago of Niger State requiring preachers to submit their sermons for government approval before delivering them.

In a statement signed by its convener, James Paul Adama, and released in Abuja on Wednesday, the group described the law as “ill-thought, oppressive and discriminatory”.

The CCYF argued that the measure amounts to religious censorship and a violation of fundamental human rights enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. Sections 38 and 39 guarantee freedom of thought, conscience, religion and expression.

It further cited Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which Nigeria is a signatory to, as prohibiting such restrictions.

The Forum also referred to the 1981 UN Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, which underscores the right to practise and manifest one’s faith without interference.

“Niger State is already burdened with insecurity, widespread poverty and poor infrastructure,” the statement read.

“Instead of tackling these challenges, the government has chosen to stifle religious freedom with a retrograde law.”

According to official data, more than 64 percent of Niger’s population live below the poverty line, with adult literacy rates significantly lower than the national average.

The CCYF said such development issues, rather than restrictions on preachers, should be the focus of the government.

The group called on the state government to withdraw the law immediately in the interest of peace, justice and good governance.

“We stand for religious sanity and denounce all forms of incitement,” it added. “But compelling preachers to submit sermons for vetting is unreasonable, inappropriate and unacceptable.”