A storm of condemnation has trailed the decision of Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, to shut down privately owned Badeggi Radio FM.
Leading the backlash is the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), which described the move as “a blatant attack on press freedom and democracy.”
Governor Bago gave the shutdown order during an expanded APC Caucus meeting at the Government House in Minna, accusing the station of inciting violence and promoting public unrest.
He instructed security operatives to seal off the station’s premises and further called for the revocation of its broadcasting licence and the profiling of its owner, Alhaji Shuaibu Badeggi.
Sources indicate that the state government has escalated the matter by marking the station’s building for demolition.
In a statement issued by Bologi Ibrahim, Chief Press Secretary to the Niger State Governor, the government alleged that “the daily activities of the radio station have been unethical.”
The statement further noted that “Governor 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.”
In a swift reaction, the Nigerian Guild of Editors strongly condemned the governor’s action, asserting that he overstepped his constitutional authority.
In a statement jointly signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the Guild stated: “The arbitrary closure of media houses reminds us of the dark days of military rule.
“Governor Bago acted outside his powers.
“The power to sanction or revoke licences of broadcast stations lies solely with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), following due investigation, not by executive fiat.”
Referencing Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the NGE reminded public officials that freedom of expression and press freedom are constitutionally protected.
“This action is censorship, plain and simple. The premises should be unsealed immediately while proper investigations proceed.”
The Guild further demanded the immediate reopening of the radio station.
“A free and independent press is essential for a functioning democracy. Badeggi Radio should be reopened immediately while a thorough, lawful investigation is conducted.”
Echoing similar concerns, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation emphasized adherence to due process. In a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, Minister Mohammed Idris clarified the legal process:
“The suspension of broadcasting licenses falls within the purview of the NBC as stipulated by law.
“NBC has the necessary mechanisms to resolve this issue fairly and impartially.”
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Minna Branch, also weighed in on the controversy.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Isyaku Barau, the association warned that the governor’s directive could infringe on constitutionally guaranteed rights.
“Executive orders cannot override constitutional provisions,” the NBA said. “If the state believes there’s wrongdoing, it must petition the NBC or seek redress through the courts. Anything else is a breach of the rule of law.”
Similarly, the Niger State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) called for calm and urged both the government and the radio station to resolve the matter within the bounds of the Constitution and relevant regulatory frameworks.