Christian Youths Call on Governor Bago to Revoke “Anti-Religious and Retrogressive” Law

The Concerned Christian Youth Forum (CCYF) has issued a strong appeal to the Governor of Niger State, Umar Bago, demanding the immediate withdrawal of a controversial policy that requires preachers to present their sermons to the government for approval before public delivery.

In a detailed statement signed by the Convener, James Paul Adama, the CCYF described the law as oppressive, retrogressive, and a direct violation of fundamental human rights. According to the group, such a policy is not only unconstitutional but also dangerous for democracy and peaceful coexistence in the state.

The Constitutional and Human Rights Argument

The CCYF emphasized that the policy represents a form of religious censorship and violates Sections 38 and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which safeguard the rights to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and expression.

The group further highlighted international legal instruments that protect religious freedom, including:

• Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
• The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
• The United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief (1981)

These international charters collectively affirm that individuals must have the right to freely practice and express their faith without government interference.

Call to Address Poverty and Insecurity Instead

The Christian youth body urged the Niger State government to redirect its attention toward addressing the pressing socio-economic challenges plaguing the state.

They pointed out that Niger State has one of the highest poverty levels in Nigeria, with more than 64 percent of its population living below the poverty line. Rather than drafting laws that restrict religious expression, the group advised the government to concentrate on:

• Reducing widespread poverty
• Combating insecurity across the state
• Promoting economic growth and job creation
• Strengthening education and healthcare
• Investing in infrastructure development

A Stand for Responsible Preaching, Not Censorship

The CCYF clarified that it remains firmly opposed to reckless, divisive, or inciteful preaching. However, they maintained that subjecting sermons to government approval is unjustifiable, discriminatory, and a threat to social harmony.

They described the law as “obnoxious” and warned that implementing it would undermine religious freedom, further polarize communities, and damage the image of the state.

Final Appeal to Governor Bago

In conclusion, the Christian youth group urged Governor Umar Bago to reconsider and discard the policy immediately in the spirit of peace, justice, fairness, and adherence to both constitutional and international human rights provisions.

They emphasized that good governance should focus on empowering citizens and building stronger institutions, not stifling religious liberty.