Democracy in Nigeria is Not a Personal Property - ADC Criticizes Governor Bago
In a recent development, the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, ordered the immediate shutdown of Badeggi FM Radio in Minna, the state capital. This decision, however, has sparked a significant outcry, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and various human rights organizations expressing concern over the potential impact on press freedom in Nigeria.
The ADC views this action as a disturbing pattern of executive overreach, disdain for constitutional rights, and a steady erosion of democratic norms under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The organisation is particularly concerned about the growing dictatorial tendencies among state governors of the APC.
The shutdown was communicated by the Governor's Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, who disclosed that the Governor gave the directive during an expanded Niger State APC Caucus meeting held at the Government House. However, it is important to note that the power to sanction a radio station, such as Badeggi FM, rests solely with the NBC, not with any state governor, as stated in Section 2(1)(b) of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act.
The ADC compares Governor Bago's actions to the worst forms of military dictatorship, stating that the governor has demonstrated a disregard for the constitution by criminalizing free speech and declaring dissent as treason. The organisation warns that if this act is allowed to stand, it could further imperil press freedom in Nigeria.
In response to the backlash, Governor Bago’s administration has pledged to hold a stakeholder meeting involving media executives, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and relevant actors to promote responsible journalism and institutional trust. This move is seen as a positive step towards addressing the concerns raised.
Civil society organisations continue to advocate for strict adherence to constitutional protections of freedom of expression and warn against government clampdowns on independent media. The ADC urges Nigerians to resist the creeping dictatorship and demands that the National Assembly take urgent steps to reinforce the autonomy of the NBC and insulate broadcast regulation from political interference.
Following the public outcry, the state government has reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom and democratic norms. Badeggi FM continues to operate without interruption pending the outcome of a formal investigation by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC). The crisis, while not entirely resolved, seems to be moving towards a resolution that upholds the rule of law and respects the constitutional guarantees of freedom of speech, movement, and association.
[1] Niger State Government Statement [2] Amnesty International Statement [3] Media Advocacy Group Statement [4] African Democratic Congress Statement
- The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is calling attention to the recent shutdown of Badeggi FM Radio in Niger State, Nigeria, condemning it as a disturbing pattern of executive overreach that threatens press freedom.
- The EFCC, crime-and-justice sector's watchdog, should investigate the constitutionality of Governor Bago's directive to close Badeggi FM Radio, in light of the potential erosion of democratic norms in Nigeria.
- In a bid to address concerns about free speech, Governor Bago’s administration has promised a stakeholder meeting with media executives, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and relevant actors, aimed at promoting responsible journalism and institutional trust.
- The ADC is imploring the general public to stand up against the creeping dictatorship and is asking the National Assembly to take immediate steps to protect the autonomy of the NBC and safeguard it from political interference.
- Various human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the Media Advocacy Group, have echoed the African Democratic Congress's concerns over the impact of Governor Bago's decision on freedom of speech, movement, and association in Nigeria.
- The Congress party, a key player in the politics of war-and-conflicts and policy-and-legislation in Nigeria, is urging the government to ensure the safe and uninterrupted operation of Badeggi FM Radio, while waiting for the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission's formal investigation results.
