Nigerian Governor shuts down private radio station over alleged incitement
Gov Bago
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has ordered the closure of Badeggi FM, a privately owned radio station based in Minna, over allegations of inciting violence and engaging in unethical broadcasting practices.
The governor issued the directive during an expanded All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus meeting held at the Government House in Minna.
According to a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Bago accused the station of promoting anti-government sentiments and directed security agencies to seal its premises.
He further instructed the Commissioner for Homeland Security and the Commissioner of Police to revoke the station’s broadcasting license and investigate its owner for allegedly encouraging unrest.
“The daily activities of the radio station have been unethical. The owner of the station has incited the people against government,” the statement read.
The decision has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights groups and media organizations. Amnesty International Nigeria described the move as an abuse of power and a violation of press freedom.
Isa Sanusi, the group’s Director, stated that the governor lacked the legal authority to shut down a media house, insisting that due process was not followed.
“Governor Bago’s order represents an alarming escalation in the clampdown on independent media. Accusing Badeggi FM of incitement without due process is a clear abuse of power,” Sanusi said.
The Wadata Media and Advocacy Center (WAMAC) also criticized the governor’s action, calling it an attempt to silence the press. In a statement signed by Zubair A. Idris, Chairman of WAMAC’s Board of Trustees, the organization urged the state government to respect constitutional provisions guaranteeing press freedom.
“This punitive action is an attempt to gag the press from performing its constitutional duty. It is disheartening that a democratically elected government would hide behind the guise of ‘public order’ to suppress a broadcast station,” the statement said.
WAMAC further called on the state government to respond to any allegations aired on the station through proper legal channels, rather than through what it described as unconstitutional actions.
Media observers have also raised concerns over what they see as a growing trend of government interference in media operations, warning that such actions threaten democracy and the public’s right to information.
