…NBA also demands immediate reversal
The closure of Badeggi FM Radio by Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago continues to draw criticism, with the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) now condemning the move.
The NGE called the action a blatant attack on press freedom and democracy.
The Guild stated that this act of censorship and intimidation undermines the fundamental principles of a democratic society, where a free press is essential for holding those in power accountable.
Persecondnews reported that Bago had issued the directive during an expanded Niger State APC caucus meeting in Minna on August 1 attended by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
Bago ordered the commissioner of police to seal off Badeggi FM radio station over alleged incitement of violence.
A statement by Bologi Ibrahim, the chief press secretary to the Niger governor, said the “daily activities of the radio station have been unethical”.
Bago also accused the owner of the station of incitement of the people against the government and directed that the license of the radio station be revoked.
Idris, reacting to the development, said the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has the legal authority to suspend or revoke broadcast licences.
“While acknowledging the concerns raised, the Ministry notes that the suspension of broadcasting licenses falls within the purview of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), as stipulated by law,” he said.
“In light of this, the Ministry welcomes the decision of the Niger State Government to formally report the perceived “unethical behavior” of Badegi FM to the NBC for resolution.
“The Minister appeals to all parties to remain calm, assuring that the NBC has the necessary mechanisms to resolve the issue in a fair and impartial manner.”
Reacting in a statement on Saturday, NGE drew attention to Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) that guarantees freedom of expression and press freedom.
In the statement, signed by Eze Anaba, President, and Onuoha Ukeh, General Secretary, the Guild of Editors noted: “Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Nigeria is signatory to, also guarantees press freedom and freedom of expression.
“The closure of Badeggi Radio, a vital platform for public discourse and information dissemination, is a worrying trend that threatens the very fabric of our democracy.
“Governor Bago acted outside his powers to order the closure of a radio station. The power to sanction television and radio stations only lies with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, NBC, after a thorough investigation of any alleged breach of the Code.
“We are happy that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, has pointed this out. This should go beyond observing the anomaly.
“The federal government should order the unsealing of the premises of the radio station, while investigation is carried out.
“Government officials should know that we are in a democracy and therefore, the act of arbitrary order for the sealing off and closure of a radio station is unacceptable. Arbitrary closure of media houses reminds us of the dark days of military rule, which ended 26 years ago.
“Governor Bago’s allegations of incitement of violence by the radio station is a serious issue, which has to be investigated and proven before any action can be taken.
“We urge the media to operate under strict adherence to the code of ethics of journalism, with responsible conduct at the back of the minds of the professionals.
“We also call on the authorities to take measures to respect the rights of citizens to access information and express themselves freely. Badeggi Radio should be reopened while the investigation continues.
“The Guild reiterates that a free and independent press is essential for a functioning democracy and demands that governments at all levels respect and uphold this fundamental right.”
According to the information posted on its website, Badeggi Radio 90.1 FM, Minna, is a private radio station established in 2020 by Shuaibu Badeggi.
Also, the Nigerian Bar Association has condemned the shutdown of Badeggi FM, describing the action as an “executive rascality of the highest order” and demanding an immediate reversal of the directive.
In a statement on Saturday, NBA President Afam Osigwe, described the governor’s action as an assault on press freedom and democratic governance.
“This constitutes executive rascality of the highest order. It is a blatant abuse of power that undermines constitutional democracy and the rule of law. The governor lacks the constitutional or legal authority to revoke broadcast licences or shut down any media establishment,” he stated.
“In Nigeria, only the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has the statutory mandate to regulate broadcasting, including the suspension or revocation of licences, subject to due process.”
The NBA further stated that Governor Bago’s directive is entirely unlawful and of no legal effect.
Osigwe stressed that the Commissioner of Police and other relevant authorities must refuse to implement illegal orders that infringe on constitutional rights, reiterating that media regulation must follow due process through established statutory mechanisms, not arbitrary executive action.
The association also noted that the actions taken against Badeggi FM constitute a direct affront to press freedom and violate Nigeria’s democratic norms.
“We call on Governor Bago to immediately withdraw this directive and refrain from further unconstitutional acts.
“The NBA also urges all levels of government to uphold the rule of law, respect constitutional boundaries, and protect the freedom of the press. A free and independent media is not a privilege – it is a constitutional right and a cornerstone of any democratic society,” the statement said.
Leave a comment