A torrent of criticism has trailed the recent order by Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, to shut down privately owned Badeggi Radio FM.
Leading the protest is the Nigerian Guild of Editors, which has denounced the move as “a blatant attack on press freedom and democracy.”
Governor Bago, speaking during an expanded APC Caucus meeting at the Government House in Minna, accused the station of inciting violence and stirring public unrest.
He instructed security agents to seal the premises and recommended the revocation of its broadcasting licence, as well as the profiling of its owner, Alhaji Shuaibu Badeggi.
Sources reveal that the government has not stopped at closure alone, the building housing the radio station has also been marked for demolition.
Reacting strongly, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, in a joint statement by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, condemned the shutdown and warned of its implications for democracy.
“The arbitrary closure of media houses reminds us of the dark days of military rule,” the Guild noted. “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.”
The Guild emphasized that such actions could set a troubling precedent and referenced both Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights as guarantees of press freedom and freedom of expression.
“This action is censorship, plain and simple. The premises should be unsealed immediately while proper investigations proceed,” the NGE insisted, adding that Badeggi Radio should be allowed to resume operations without delay.
Echoing the Guild’s stance, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, through the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, reiterated that only the NBC has the authority to suspend a broadcast license.
“The suspension of broadcasting licenses falls within the purview of the NBC as stipulated by law,” the Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, stated. He called for calm and urged all stakeholders to allow due process to take its course. “NBC has the necessary mechanisms to resolve this issue fairly and impartially.”
Also adding its voice, the Nigerian Bar Association, Minna Branch, issued a statement through its Chairman, Isyaku Barau, cautioning that the governor’s directive could infringe on constitutionally protected rights.
“Executive orders cannot override constitutional provisions,” the NBA declared. “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.”
The Niger State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has similarly urged all involved to exercise restraint and adhere strictly to legal and regulatory procedures to resolve the matter.