Backlash Grows Over Niger Governor's Closure of Badeggi FM
The closure of Badeggi FM by Niger State Governor Umar Bago has become a major flashpoint for press freedom in Nigeria, drawing widespread condemnation from media and human rights organizations. These groups, including the International Press Institute (IPI) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), have issued an ultimatum to the governor to reverse his decision.
Governor Bago's Justification
Governor Bago ordered the shutdown of the privately-owned radio station, Badeggi FM, during a meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus. He publicly accused the station of "anti-peace and treasonable incitement" against his government. According to his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the station's broadcasts were "unethical" and its owner was allegedly inciting the public. Following the directive, the governor reportedly instructed security operatives to seal the station, recommend the revocation of its license, and profile the station's owner, Alhaji Muhammed Shuaibu. There are also reports that the governor has marked the station's premises for demolition.
This action followed a series of broadcasts on Badeggi FM that were critical of the Bago administration, including one program that discussed issues at Abdulkadir Kure University in Minna. According to the station's Director of Operations, Abubakar Shuaib, this particular program is believed to have "triggered the outburst from the governor."
Widespread Condemnation and Call for Reversal
The governor's actions have been met with a wave of criticism from various groups who argue that the decision is an illegal and unconstitutional attack on press freedom.
International Press Institute (IPI): The IPI has strongly condemned the closure, calling it "executive overreach" and a "brazen assault on press freedom." The organization has given the governor a 48-hour ultimatum to reopen the station and warned that he will be placed on a "Black Book" for enemies of the media if he fails to comply.
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP): SERAP has also issued a 48-hour ultimatum, demanding that Governor Bago reverse his "arbitrary and unlawful" decision. In an open letter, SERAP stated that the shutdown is a "fundamental breach" of Bago's constitutional oath and warned that it would pursue legal action if its demands are not met.
Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ): These organizations have also denounced the governor's order, emphasizing that the power to sanction broadcast stations lies with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), not a state governor.
Other Critics: The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have also called the action "undemocratic." The Minister of Information, Muhammad Idris, has also clarified that only the NBC has the legal authority to suspend or revoke broadcast licenses.
The incident has reignited broader concerns about media independence and freedom of expression in Nigeria, with critics arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent for the misuse of power to silence critical voices.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
