The Wadata Media and Advocacy Centre (WAMAC) has strongly condemned the reported directive by Niger State Governor, Umar Mohammed Bago, ordering the shutdown of Baddegi Radio 90.1 FM in Minna.
In a statement signed by Zubair A. Idris, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of WAMAC, the organization said the alleged reason for the closure—that the station incited the public against the government—was a deliberate attempt to stifle press freedom.
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), under Chapter Two, Section 22, empowers journalists to hold governments accountable,” the statement read. “It is disheartening that a democratically elected government would hide behind the pretense of maintaining public order to deny a broadcast station its constitutional duties.”
The organization expressed solidarity with Amnesty International, the Broadcasting Organizations of Nigeria (BON), and the Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (IBAN), describing the shutdown order as unconstitutional and a violation of the National Broadcasting Commission’s (NBC) statutory authority.
WAMAC urged the Niger State Government to rescind the closure order and utilize the legally recognized “Right of Reply” to address any allegations raised on Baddegi Radio’s programs rather than silencing the media.
“Governor Umar Mohammed Bago should immediately withdraw the order and engage the public with factual and verifiable statements to counter the alleged infractions,” the statement added.
