…Demand immediate reopening
Aminu Imam
Media industry stakeholders have strongly condemned the closure of Badeggi FM 90.1, a privately owned radio station in Minna, Niger State, following an order issued by Governor Mohammed Umar Bago.
The action, which involved the sealing of the station, demolition of its building, and arrest of its owner, has sparked outrage from the Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria, (IBAN), and the Northern Nigeria Media Organisation, (NBMOA).
In separate but coordinated statements released yesterday, both groups described the governor’s actions as a gross abuse of power and a flagrant violation of Nigeria’s constitutional and regulatory frameworks governing media operations.
Alhaji (Dr.) Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan, who chairs both IBAN and NBMOA, stated that the shutdown and destruction of Badeggi FM constitute “the highest form of executive lawlessness” and undermine democratic norms and press freedom.
“This is an act of power and a violation of the rule of law. It is the highest form of abuse of power,” NBMOA stated, warning that such actions pose a grave threat to democracy and could embolden further executive impunity.
IBAN emphasised that only the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), which serves as the statutory regulatory body for broadcasting in Nigeria, has the authority to sanction or shut down a media outlet for any alleged infractions.
“A Governor, like any other citizen, has the right to file a complaint to the NBC if a station violates broadcasting regulations. But he does not have the authority to unilaterally seal a licensed radio station”, Ramalan asserted.
The associations warned that the incident not only violates due process but also sets a dangerous precedent for executive interference in the media space. They urged Governor Bago to immediately reverse the order, release the detained owner of the station, and unseal Badeggi FM.
While the exact nature of the alleged constitutional violations by the station remains unclear, both IBAN and NBMOA insist that appropriate regulatory channels must be followed.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Niger State Government were still ongoing as of press time.
