‘Usurping NBC powers,’ FG, Editors, NBA react as Niger Governor orders shutdown of radio station

The shutting down of a private radio station, Badeggi FM by Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has elicited reactions from different quarters with many positing that the move was unconstitutional and a threat to press freedom.

According to reports, Bago has on Friday ordered the commissioner of police to seal off Badeggi FM radio station over alleged incitement of violence.

A statement by Bologi Ibrahim, the chief press secretary to the Governor Bago said the “daily activities of the radio station have been unethical”.

“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,” the statement reads in part.

However, in a swift reaction, the Minister of Information, Muhammad Idris in a statement on Saturday through his Special Assistant, Rabiu Ibrahim, said the ministry has noted concerns raised by stakeholders in the media industry over the governor’s directive.

Idris said the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has the legal authority to suspend or revoke broadcast licences.

“While acknowledging the concerns raised, the Ministry notes that the suspension of broadcasting licenses falls within the purview of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), as stipulated by law,” he said.

“In light of this, the Ministry welcomes the decision of the Niger State Government to formally report the perceived “unethical behavior” of Badegi FM to the NBC for resolution.

“The Minister appeals to all parties to remain calm, assuring that the NBC has the necessary mechanisms to resolve the issue in a fair and impartial manner.”

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in its reaction described the move as an attack on press freedom and democracy.

In a statement signed on Saturday by Eze Anaba and Onuoha Ukeh, president and general secretary of the NGE, respectively, the guild criticised Bago’s directive, noting that only the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has the authority to sanction broadcast stations.

“The closure of Badeggi radio, a vital platform for public discourse and information dissemination, is a worrying trend that threatens the very fabric of our democracy,” the statement reads.

The NGE, like the Minister pointed out that Bago acted beyond his powers, noting that any sanction must follow a thorough investigation by the NBC.

Citing section 39 of the 1999 Constitution and article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the guild said freedom of expression and press freedom are constitutionally protected rights in Nigeria.

“Arbitrary closure of media houses reminds us of the dark days of military rule, which ended 26 years ago,” the editors warned, calling the move “unacceptable” in a democratic society.

The guild also called on media practitioners to uphold journalistic ethics and urged authorities to respect citizens’ rights to access information and express themselves freely.

“A free and independent press is essential for a functioning democracy,” the editors said.

Similarly, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) said Governor Bago’s shutdown order of the radio station was tantamount to usurping powers of the NBC.

“The governor’s directive is executive rascality of the highest order,” NBA President, Afam Osigwe stated. “It is a blatant abuse of power that undermines the rule of law and constitutional democracy.”

The NBA called on Governor Bago to reverse the closure order against Badeggi 90.1 FM, a privately owned station in the state. Reports suggest the action was executed through instructions given to the State Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner for Homeland Security, with the station’s premises allegedly marked for demolition and its owner profiled.

The Association stressed that security agencies must not act on unlawful directives. “The Commissioner of Police and other agencies are constitutionally bound to act within legal limits, not as tools of political intimidation or media suppression,” Osigwe said.

Citing Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, the NBA reiterated that freedom of expression includes the right to own and operate media outlets. “No one, regardless of position, can arbitrarily shut down a media house without due process. This closure, lacking both regulatory and judicial backing, is a dangerous attack on democratic values.”

Osigwe further emphasised that the order is null and void in the eyes of the law. “The directive is legally baseless. The governor must retract it immediately and refrain from any further unconstitutional acts,” he said.

The NBA urged all levels of government to respect constitutional boundaries and uphold press freedom. “A free and independent media is a constitutional right, not a privilege. It is essential for any democratic society,” the statement concluded.