The Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) has condemned the arbitrary shutdown of Badeggi FM by the Niger State Governor, saying it is a blatant deployment of executive power, which violates the rule of law and the rights of the media house.
The Governor of Niger State, Mr Mohammed Umaru Bago, had given a directive that Badeggi FM, a Minna-based Radio Broadcasting station, be closed down,
citing public incitement.
He also directed the Commissioner for Homeland Security and the Commissioner of Police place the station under lock and key, while its licence is revoked.
He added that the owner of the radio station should be profiled and the premises marked for demolition.
The Executive Director of CEMESO, Dr Akin Akingbulu, said that the arbitrary closure of the radio station is a dangerous move that violates the rights of the media house.
“Governor Umaru Bago’s action must be given the proper description: a brazen abuse of executive power and assault on the rule of law by a political office holder who pledged to uphold the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
”He must understand that his action against Badeggi FM station is an addition to the growing list of attacks on the press in Niger State under his administration, and questions his credentials as a believer in and respecter of the independent and free functioning of
institutions in a democracy.”
Dr. Akingbulu wondered why the Governor refused to refer his concerns to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the statutory regulator in charge of Broadcasting, which has an established presence all over the country, including Niger State.
According to Akingbulu, “the cause of strengthening democracy will be well served when Political office holders recognise and respect the existence and roles of state and nonstate institutions under an atmosphere of the rule of law”.
