Governor Bago Under Fire for Shutting Radio Station

Governor Bago Under Fire for Shutting Radio Station

A coalition of media advocates and civil society organisations (CSOs) have strongly condemned the recent order by Niger State Governor Umar Bago to shut down Badeggi FM Radio in Minna, an independent media outlet known for its civic programming and public accountability journalism.

This act is viewed as a direct affront to Nigeria’s constitutional principles and the democratic right to free expression.

Governor Bago, during an APC caucus meeting, allegedly directed security operatives to seal the station, revoke its broadcast license, and profile the owner, citing “unethical activities” and “incitement against the government.”

However, no formal complaint was filed with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the legally recognized regulator of broadcast media in Nigeria.

“This is not only an overreach of executive authority,” said media rights spokesperson [Insert Name]. “It’s an unmistakable signal that press freedom in Niger State is at serious risk. The rule of law and democratic institutions must not be undermined by unilateral and arbitrary decisions.”

The management of Badeggi FM has denied any wrongdoing, urging the Governor to follow proper legal channels.

The station, however, emphasised its commitment to ethical journalism and asserts that its programming is monitored daily by the NBC.

Furthermore, this incident adds to a growing concern over state-led intimidation of journalists. In late 2023, the Commissioner for Homeland Security was reportedly involved in the harassment of a Voice of America journalist, a troubling pattern for an administration less than two years in office.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has condemned the closure in a joint statement, branding it a “blatant attack on press freedom and democracy.”

The Guild called on the federal government to intervene and order the immediate unsealing of Badeggi FM pending an impartial investigation by the NBC.

Minister of Information Mohammed Idris has reiterated that only the NBC has the legal mandate to suspend or revoke a station’s license, and emphasized due process over executive fiat.

As Nigeria upholds its commitments under Section 39 of the Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter, civil society now calls for the reinstatement of Badeggi FM and a renewed commitment by all levels of government to protect press freedom and the public’s right to information.