Niger Governor Urged to Withdraw ‘Anti-Religious, Retrogressive’ Law
- Concerned Christian Youth Forum condemns Niger State’s policy mandating government vetting of sermons
- Group cites Nigerian Constitution and UN treaties as protection against religious censorship
- Youths urge Governor Bago to focus on poverty, insecurity, and development instead of controlling religious expression
Christian youths in Niger State have demanded the immediate withdrawal of a new law requiring religious preachers to submit their sermons for government approval before public delivery.
The Concerned Christian Youth Forum (CCYF) described the policy as an assault on basic freedoms and called it “anti-religious, retrogressive, oppressive and a gross violation of fundamental human rights.”
Source: Twitter
Christian group kicks against Niger gov't
In a statement signed by its convener, James Paul Adama, the group argued that the measure amounts to religious censorship and violates Sections 38 and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantee freedom of thought, conscience, religion and expression.
The forum also cited global human rights provisions, including Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, all of which safeguard religious liberty.
The youth forum criticised the state government for introducing what it called an “ill-thought and discriminatory” policy instead of confronting the region’s pressing challenges.
It noted that Niger ranks among Nigeria’s poorest states, with more than 64 percent of its population living below the poverty line, yet the administration is focusing on controlling religious activities rather than addressing poverty, insecurity and underdevelopment.
Governor urged to prioritise economic challenges
CCYF urged Governor Umar Bago to channel resources into economic growth, education, health and infrastructure instead of placing restrictions on worship.
Source: Twitter
The group warned that forcing preachers to seek government approval for sermons could inflame tensions and undermine peaceful coexistence.
While acknowledging the need to curb reckless or inciteful preaching, the forum maintained that the new law is neither justifiable nor compatible with constitutional and international protections.
“The state government must jettison forthwith the obnoxious law in the interest of peace, justice, good governance and respect for constitutional and international provisions on religious freedom,” the statement concluded.
Governor Bago dances to Tinubu's praise song
Legit.ng earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu has been endorsed as the sole candidate of the APC by the Niger State Chapter of the party, and Governor Umar Bago.
At the event in Minna, the Niger state capital, Governor Bago was seen dancing to the popular Rarara's Omo Ologo, a song singing the praises of President Tinubu.
The video has started generating mixed reactions from Nigerians, who expressed concerns about the situation in the country.
Governor Bago stirs reactions
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Nigerians had started reacting to the video and photos of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State going on his knees to greet President Bola Tinubu during their tour to Brazil recently.
President Tinubu, during his recent visit to Brazil, signed $2.5 billion investment deal in the livestock sector with JBS S.A., a leading meat processing company in Brazil. In his earlier visit, the president had directed that the company would be located in Niger.
Source: Legit.ng
