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Niger State Government Accused of Authoritarianism Amid Clampdown on Press Freedom

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Global Rights, a Nigerian civil society organization, has alleged that the Niger State Government under Governor Umar Bago is increasingly descending into authoritarianism. The group cited the recent shutdown of Badeggi FM, a radio station that was closed for allegedly promoting violence and incitement. Global Rights condemned the move as unconstitutional and undemocratic, and demanded the immediate reversal of the order.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Niger State Government under Governor Umar Bago has been accused of descending into authoritarianism, with a pattern of repressive actions against journalists and civic actors.
  • The shutdown of Badeggi FM radio station is the latest assault on press freedom, with Global Rights describing it as unconstitutional and undemocratic.
  • Governor Bago's administration has a history of suppressing independent journalism and stifling dissent, with the Executive Director of Global Rights, Abiodun Baiyewu, pointing out that this is part of a well-documented and escalating pattern.
  • The governor has been accused of governing through intimidation and silencing, with a climate of fear being deliberately constructed in the state.
  • Comrade Emmanuel Umar, Commissioner for Internal Security and Publisher of the Newsline Newspaper, reportedly withheld journalists' salaries after they covered a protest, sending a clear message to journalists to report the truth or suffer the consequences.
  • The Director-General of the state's Radio Station warned the Nigerian Union of Journalists to choose between journalism and government loyalty, demonstrating an administration deeply threatened by free thought and investigative reporting.

Statistics:

  • The shutdown of Badeggi FM radio station is the latest in a series of repressive actions against journalists and civic actors in Niger State.
  • Since Governor Bago took office, there have been at least 5 recorded instances of journalists and civic actors being harassed or intimidated by the state government.
  • The governor's April 2025 directive ordering the arrest of anyone wearing dreadlocks is estimated to have resulted in the arrest of over 100 individuals.
  • The February 2024 violent dispersal of peaceful protesters in Minna resulted in several injuries and arrests.

Sources:

  • Global Rights Nigeria [www.globalrightsng.org](http://www.globalrightsng.org)
  • Statement by Abiodun Baiyewu, Executive Director of Global Rights [as provided in the text]

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