JUST IN: I Didn’t Ban Evangelism, We Said “Bring Scripture For Review”; In Saudi Arabia, It’s Done Like That-Bago

9jaleadSept 15, 2025Read original

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has moved to dispel speculation that his administration outlawed evangelism.

Speaking in a televised interview on TVC News, Bago stated plainly: “I did not ban evangelism in Niger State.” He explained that the order came from the Religious Affairs department, which now requires clerics scheduled to preach on Fridays to submit their sermons for prior screening. He noted that such reviews are standard practice in some countries, including Saudi Arabia.

The clarification highlights that the initiative is aimed at regulation rather than prohibition, with its goal being to curb hate speech and promote religious tolerance across the state’s diverse communities.

Still, the governor’s reference to Saudi Arabia—a country with a vastly different religious and political system—has sparked mixed reactions. While some consider it a reasonable step toward stability, others see it as government overreach that could undermine religious liberty, a right firmly protected by Nigeria’s constitution. Bago’s explanation has put the policy in the spotlight, and debates are expected to intensify as religious leaders and citizens weigh the tension between maintaining security and safeguarding freedoms.