*Threatens Legal Action, Says Niger Policy On Preaching Approval Violates Sections 38 And 39 Of Constitution
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/idrinstitute.png")
A human rights lawyer, Mohammed Danjuma Esq., has petitioned Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago over the state government’s directive mandating clerics to submit their sermons for prior approval, describing the policy as illegal, unconstitutional and contrary to Islamic principles.
In the petition dated September 16, 2025, and addressed to the Governor with the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice copied, Danjuma said the directive violates fundamental rights guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
Citing Section 38(1) of the Constitution, he stressed that every Nigerian is entitled to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including the right to propagate religion in public or private without interference. He argued that any attempt to censor sermons before delivery constitutes a direct infringement on this right.
“Your policy on the submission of sermons by clerics for prior approval is a direct confrontation with the rights of citizens of Niger State to freely manifest and propagate their religion,” the lawyer stated.
Danjuma also invoked Section 39(1), which protects freedom of expression, noting that preaching falls within that category of expression. He warned that Nigerian courts have consistently frowned at attempts by government to restrict these freedoms.
Emphasizing the supremacy of the Constitution, Danjuma cited Section 1(1) and Section 1(3), stressing that no directive or policy of a state government can override constitutionally guaranteed rights.
The lawyer demanded the immediate reversal of the policy and its publication across at least two state-owned electronic and print media outlets.
He cautioned that failure to comply would leave his chambers with no option but to approach the courts to challenge the policy as a violation of citizens’ constitutional rights.
“We trust that the State Governor as a law-abiding citizen will comply with the above demands on the day this letter is received,” the petition concluded.
“History of Rivers State Judiciary: A Compendium of Personalities on the Bench.” Authored by Ampim Gogo Blankson, Esq., Deputy Director at the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Rivers State Judiciary
💰 Cover Price: ₦20,000.00 (Twenty Thousand Naira)
Bukky Law Books, Rivers State High Court Complex, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt – 📞 08034868754📞 08034729738📞 Enquiries:
______________________________________________________________________
Alexander Payne Co. Law Reports
Contact & Orders 📞 0704 444 4777 | 0704 444 4999 | 0818 199 9888 🌐 www.alexandernigeria.com
______________________________________________________________________
The books are available for purchase at:
Online: www.educodex.com | www.selar.com | www.amazon.com | www.mikeozekhome.com
Enquiries: +234 704 044 9375 | +234 814 813 4773 | +234 816 872 3532
Email: educodexl@gmail.com
______________________________________________________________________
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
