NGE condemns closure of Badeggi Radio by Gov Bago, demands immediate reopening

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has strongly condemned the closure of Badeggi Radio Station by Niger State governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, describing the move as an illegal and undemocratic clampdown on press freedom.

In a press release issued on Saturday and jointly signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the Guild accused Governor Bago of acting outside the law, saying only the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has the statutory power to sanction or shut down broadcast stations, and only after due investigation.

“The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) strongly condemns the recent order for the closure of Badeggi Radio by Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State. We consider this a blatant attack on press freedom and democracy in Nigeria,” the statement read.

The editors warned that the arbitrary sealing of media organisations evokes memories of Nigeria’s military era, noting that such actions are unacceptable in a democratic society governed by the rule of law.

They argued that the governor’s claim of alleged incitement by the radio station must be thoroughly investigated through proper legal channels, rather than being used as justification for executive overreach.

“Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees freedom of expression and press freedom. Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Nigeria is signatory to, also guarantees these rights,” the Guild said.

They welcomed the intervention of the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who also acknowledged the illegality of the governor’s action. However, they insisted that the federal government must go beyond mere observation and order the immediate unsealing of the station’s premises while investigations are carried out.

While urging media professionals to continue to operate within the bounds of journalistic ethics and responsibility, the NGE stressed that press freedom is non-negotiable in a democracy.

“The Guild reiterates that a free and independent press is essential for a functioning democracy and demands that governments at all levels respect and uphold this fundamental right,” the statement concluded.

The closure of Badeggi Radio has sparked widespread concern among media stakeholders and civil rights groups, who see it as part of a growing trend of intimidation against the press under the guise of curbing misinformation.