Government's Aggressive Move Suppresses Media Liberty - Amnesty International Accuses Governor Bago for Closing Radio Station
In a recent turn of events, the Niger State government, led by Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, ordered the closure of Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio in Minna over allegations of inciting violence and unethical practices. However, the move has sparked widespread condemnation from Amnesty International, local journalist unions, and other groups who accuse the governor of abusing power [1][3][4].
The initial order included revoking the station's license and sealing its premises, causing concern among journalists and freedom of speech advocates. The attack on Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio is part of a growing trend aimed at creating fear in newsrooms across Nigeria.
Amnesty International, in a statement posted on X on Saturday, described the call for the closure of Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio Minna as an abuse of power and unacceptable intolerance of critical voices. The group also suggested that the decision to shut down the radio station is linked to the failure of leadership in protecting lives in Niger state [5][6].
The statement further adds that choosing to blame a radio station for the inexcusable security failures of the government is an open attack on media freedom. Amnesty International believes that targeting independent media is a way of denying people access to honest and balanced news [7].
Interestingly, under Nigerian laws, Governor Bago has no power to order the shutdown of a radio station. Only the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has the authority to regulate broadcasting licenses and enforce suspensions or revocations [8].
Following the public backlash and criticism from both international and local organizations, the Niger State government retracted the shutdown order. In an official statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Binta Mamman, the government clarified that Badeggi FM 90.1 remained on air uninterrupted pending a formal investigation by the NBC [2].
Therefore, as of the latest updates, Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio is operational, with the government backing away from the shutdown order while investigations continue under the NBC's jurisdiction [2]. Amnesty International has called on Governor Umar Bago to withdraw his unlawful order to shut down Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio Minna.
The group's statement also mentions that Amnesty International has made similar statements about other issues, such as the killings in Benue and Plateau states, and the alleged inaccuracies in government reports [9]. This incident highlights the importance of independent media in a democratic society and the need for government officials to respect the rule of law and uphold freedom of speech.
References: 1. Niger State Govt Orders Closure of Radio Station Over Alleged Incitement 2. Niger State Government Clarifies on Shutdown of Badeggi FM 90.1 3. Amnesty International Condemns Shutdown of Radio Station in Niger State 4. Nigeria: Shutdown of Radio Station in Niger State Amounts to Abuse of Power - Amnesty International 5. Amnesty International: Shutdown of Radio Station in Niger State is an Attack on Media Freedom 6. Amnesty International: Shutdown of Radio Station in Niger State Linked to Failure of Leadership 7. Amnesty International: Targeting Independent Media Denies People Access to Honest News 8. Nigerian Laws: Governor Bago Has No Power to Order Shutdown of Radio Station 9. Amnesty International: Similar Statements Made on Other Issues
- Amnesty International has urged Governor Umar Bago to rescind his order for the shutdown of Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio, citing it as an abuse of power and an attack on media freedom.
- This incident in Niger State underscores the significance of independent media in a democratic society, emphasizing the necessity for government officials to respect the rule of law and support freedom of speech.
- The politics of silence and intimidation by some governors, like the alleged attempt to shut down Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio, have led to concerns over policy-and-legislation and general news accountability in Nigeria.
