NUJ, NGE  Flay Closure Of Niger Radio Station

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) have condemned the Niger State Government for threatening to shut down Badeggi FM 90.1 and demolish the station’s premises.

The radio station, based in Minna, is privately owned and has been under pressure following reported moves by the administration of Governor Umaru Bago to shut it down.

In a statement signed by the NUJ National President, Alhassan Abdullahi, yesterday, the union described the alleged action as “a blatant act of intimidation and an assault on press freedom.”

“The threats issued against Badeggi FM 90.1 by the Niger State Government are deeply troubling and represent a dangerous overreach of executive power.

“Such actions undermine democracy and send a chilling message to independent media organisations,” he said.

The NUJ reminded the state government that the National Broadcasting Commission remains the only legally empowered authority to regulate, license, or sanction broadcast stations in Nigeria.

“No state government has the constitutional right to interfere with the operations or facilities of any media house.

“It is the responsibility of the NBC to investigate any allegations of wrongdoing by broadcast stations and to take appropriate actions through due process,” the NUJ president said.

According to the union, freedom of the press is enshrined in the Constitution and is essential to the survival of democratic governance.

“Independent journalism must never be stifled through threats, intimidation, or politically motivated directives.

“We are calling on Governor Bago to withdraw the threat of closure and demolition immediately and allow the proper legal channels to address any issues,” Abdullahi stressed.

The NUJ also urged civil society groups, professional associations, and the general public to resist any form of executive highhandedness that undermines press freedom.

“We will not stand by and watch as journalists and media institutions are harassed for doing their job,” Abdullahi concluded.

In the same vein, the Nigerian Guild of Editors has condemned the closure of Badeggi Radio in Niger State by the State Government, describing the action as a threat to press freedom and democracy.

In a statement issued on Saturday and jointly signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the editors described the governor’s action as censorship and intimidation that undermines the principles of a democratic society.

The editors described the action as reminiscent of the military era, saying, “This act of censorship and intimidation undermines the fundamental principles of a democratic society, where free press is essential for holding those in power accountable.”

Citing Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the editors stated that press freedom and freedom of expression are guaranteed under Nigerian and international law.

They noted that Badeggi Radio served as a vital platform for public discourse and information dissemination, and that its closure posed a threat to democracy.

According to the editors, the power to sanction radio and television stations rests with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission after due investigation, not with a state governor.

“We are happy that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, has pointed this out. This should go beyond observing the anomaly. The Federal Government should order the unsealing of the premises of the radio station, while investigation is carried out.

“Government officials should know that we are in a democracy and therefore, the act of arbitrary order for the sealing off and closure of a radio station is unacceptable. Arbitrary closure of media houses reminds us of the dark days of military rule, which ended 26 years ago,” the statement read partly.

While noting Bago’s allegation that the station incited violence, the NGE said such claims must be investigated and proven before any action could be taken.

The editors urged media to operate under strict adherence to the code of ethics of journalism, with responsible conduct at the back of the minds of the professionals.

They also urged authorities to uphold citizens’ rights to access information and express themselves freely, stressing that Badeggi Radio should be reopened pending the conclusion of investigations.

“The Guild reiterates that a free and independent press is essential for a functioning democracy and demands that governments at all levels respect and uphold this fundamental right,” the statement said.