The Nigeria Union of Journalists has strongly condemned the Niger State Government’s alleged threat to close Badeggi FM 90.1 and demolish its premises, describing the move as a direct attack on press freedom and a danger to democracy.
Badeggi FM, a private radio station operating in Minna, the state capital, has reportedly come under intense pressure from the administration of Governor Umaru Bago. The NUJ reacted to the development in a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National President, Alhassan Abdullahi.
According to Abdullahi, the actions of the state government amount to an “abuse of executive authority” and a “clear attempt to silence independent journalism.”
“The threats issued against Badeggi FM 90.1 are not only alarming but also represent an unacceptable overreach of power by the state government. Such behavior erodes democratic principles and discourages the free press that is vital to any open society,” Abdullahi said.
He emphasized that only the National Broadcasting Commission has the constitutional mandate to regulate, license, or sanction any broadcast station in Nigeria.
“No state government has the authority to interfere with the operations of a media house. The NBC is solely empowered to investigate and address any alleged misconduct through proper legal procedures,” the NUJ president noted.
Abdullahi stressed that press freedom is enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution and must be protected at all costs.
“Independent media must never be subjected to intimidation or politically motivated actions. We call on Governor Bago to retract any threat of closure or demolition immediately and allow legal frameworks to resolve any concerns,” he stated.
The NUJ further called on civil society organizations, professional bodies, and members of the public to speak out against any form of executive intimidation targeted at journalists and media houses.
“We won’t fold our arms while media professionals are harassed for performing their duties,” Abdullahi concluded.