By Passman Akpos
The founder of Omega fire ministry, Apostle Johnson Suleiman in a sermon today has come strongly against Niger state Governmor , Umar Bago.
Recall, Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has said it is mandatory for preachers to submit their sermons for approval.
Speaking on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, the governor 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, he should 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, anti-government and you think it’s normal.”
Asked if it was out of fear of indoctrination, the governor said, “It’s in that direction. We want to be able to see what they are preaching, hear what they are saying. We are working together with security agencies; the Department of State Services (DSS), the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the military.”
The fiery Pastor, in response to the declaration of the Governor, noted, “People desire things not knowing life is transient, any position, any thing God gives to you don’t use that office and position to oppress people, if you don’t leave power, then power will leave you, we heard about one Governor, is it Niger state?, the governor that said that before any preacher will preach he must take licence. No preacher should preach against any body, preach peace, but don’t show any Governor your note, for a Governor to see your note he must tell us how he spent state money. The day he published how he his spending it, we will now publish our message note”
The Director General of the Niger State Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq, had said anyone interested in preaching in Niger must obtain a licence, emphasising that preachers had two months to obtain their licences.
“It is true, the State Government has banned preaching. Any preacher who wants to preach must secure a licence between now and the next two months.”
“All they need to do is to visit our office, get, and fill out the form. After which, they will have to face a panel that will screen them before they can start preaching,” Farooq had said.
