Sign in Subscribe
Governors

Nigerian Bar Association Condemns Shutdown of Independent Radio Station in Niger State

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the shutdown of Badeggi Radio 90.1 FM, a privately owned independent radio station in Minna, Niger State, on the order of Governor Umar Bago. The governor had accused the station of inciting violence and ordered its immediate shutdown, withdrawal of its broadcast licence, and the profiling of its owner. The NBA described the governor's action as a "dangerous assault on press freedom and democratic governance" and a "blatant abuse of power" that undermines constitutional democracy and the rule of law.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the shutdown of Badeggi Radio 90.1 FM, a privately owned independent radio station in Minna, Niger State, on the order of Governor Umar Bago.
  • The governor accused the station of inciting violence, but the station's Director of Operations, Abubakar Shuaib, denied the allegations and called on the governor to channel complaints through proper channels.
  • The NBA described the governor's action as a "dangerous assault on press freedom and democratic governance" and a "blatant abuse of power" that undermines constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
  • The association urged the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to reject unlawful executive directives and refuse to carry out any orders that infringe on constitutional rights.
  • Media regulation must follow due process through established statutory channels, not executive fiat, according to the NBA.
  • The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) also called the governor's action unconstitutional and a direct attack on press freedom.
  • Amnesty International Nigeria described the shutdown as "an abuse of power" and urged authorities to respect media independence.

Statistics:

  • The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) regulated broadcasting, including suspending or revoking licences, subject to due process in Nigeria.
  • The Nigerian constitution guarantees freedom of expression under Section 39, including the right to own, operate, and access media.
  • The NBC has since denied involvement in the shutdown and said it is reviewing the matter.

Sources:

  • Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) statement
  • Niger State government statement
  • The Guardian Nigeria
  • Amnesty International Nigeria
  • Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE)
  • Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)
  • BusinessPost Nigeria

Read more