The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have separately condemned the recent order for the closure of Badeggi Radio by Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State.
Business Post reports that the Niger State Governor had stripped Badeggi FM radio station of its license and allegedly threatened to demolish the station’s premises over its allegations of inciting violence in the state.
On its part, NGE, which is the apex body of editors in Nigeria, said in a statement that the governor’s action was a “blatant attack on press freedom and democracy.”
Speaking on behalf of the organisation, the guild‘s President, Mr Eze Anaba, and its General Secretary, Mr Onuoha Ukeh said, “This act of censorship and intimidation undermines the fundamental principles of a democratic society where free press is essential for holding those in power accountable,” adding that the governor 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.”
The statement said arbitrary closure of media houses was a reminder of the dark days of military rule.
It, however, noted that Mr Bago’s allegation of incitement of violence by the radio station was a serious issue which had to be investigated and proven before any action could 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,” it said.
The statement called on the authorities to take measures to respect the rights of citizens to access information and express themselves freely.
On its part, SERAP urged Governor Bago to “immediately reverse the arbitrary and unlawful decision to strip Badeggi FM radio station of its licence, reinstate the station’s licence, and withdraw your threat to demolish the station’s premises”
The organisation said: “Your vague, unfounded and unsubstantiated allegations of ‘inciting violence’ against Badeggi FM and its owner are apparently made to silence the radio station and its owner.”
SERAP said, “Silencing critical or dissenting voices under the guise of vague and unsubstantiated national security concerns is a fundamental breach of your constitutional oath of office and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.”
“Silencing Badeggi FM and its owner would have a chilling effect on the protection of freedom of expression and media freedom across several states.”