By Correspondent in Minna.
Governor Muhammed Bago of Niger State.
The Federal Government has condemned the recent shutdown of Badeggi FM 90.1, a privately owned radio station in Minna, Niger State, describing the move as unconstitutional and beyond the powers of any state governor.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, made this position known following reports that Governor Mohammed Umar Bago ordered the closure of the station, allegedly for being critical of his administration.
Malagi, who was present at the August 1 expanded caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC), where the directive was issued, emphasized that only the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has the legal authority to sanction or suspend any broadcast station in Nigeria.
In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Rabiu Ibrahim, the Minister stated, “Only the NBC is empowered by law to take regulatory actions against broadcast stations. The state government’s move to shut down Badeggi FM contravene these provisions.”
Governor Bago reportedly gave the order during the APC meeting held at the Government House in Minna.
He allegedly instructed the Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner for Homeland Security to immediately seal off the station and investigate its ownership and operations.
The governor’s directive drew widespread reactions, especially among media stakeholders, such as the Nigerian Guild of Editors,prompting the intervention of the Minister, who advised a return to lawful procedures.
He acknowledged the state government’s decision to subsequently refer its concerns about the station’s conduct to the NBC for proper investigation and resolution.
“The Ministry of Information and National Orientation has taken note of concerns raised by stakeholders over the directive by the Niger State Government to suspend Badeggi FM’s operations. We welcome the state’s decision to channel its grievances through appropriate regulatory institutions,” the statement read.
While urging media professionals to remain calm, the Minister reassured the public of the Federal Government’s commitment to press freedom and the rule of law and called on political leaders at all levels to respect constitutional boundaries and engage constructively with the media.
Our correspondent reports that the incident has reignited conversations around media rights, freedom of expression, and the responsibilities of both journalists and public officials in Nigeria’s democratic space.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
