The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has strongly condemned the recent closure of Badeggi Radio Station in Niger State by Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, describing the action as an assault on press freedom and a dangerous threat to democracy.
In a press statement jointly signed by the President of the Guild, Mr. Eze Anaba, and its General Secretary, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, the NGE declared the governor’s action as illegal, unconstitutional, and reminiscent of military-era suppression of the media.
The Editors emphasized that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), particularly Section 39, guarantees freedom of expression and the press. They also cited Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Nigeria is a signatory to, as further legal backing for press freedom.
“The closure of Badeggi Radio, a vital platform for public discourse and information dissemination, is a worrying trend that threatens the very fabric of our democracy,” the Guild stated.
The NGE faulted Governor Bago’s claim that the station incited violence, arguing that such an allegation must be investigated and proven through appropriate legal channels. According to the Guild, only the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has the legal mandate to sanction radio or television stations—after a thorough investigation and due process.
The Guild welcomed the intervention of the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, who acknowledged the overreach by the governor. However, they urged the federal government to go a step further by ordering the immediate unsealing of Badeggi Radio’s premises while an impartial investigation is carried out.
“This arbitrary closure of a media house reminds Nigerians of the dark days of military rule, which ended 26 years ago,” the statement read. “Such actions are unacceptable in a democratic dispensation.”
While calling on journalists and media outlets to remain professional and uphold ethical standards, the NGE warned that any attempt to stifle press freedom is a direct threat to national democracy.
The Guild reaffirmed its commitment to defending media freedom and called on all levels of government to respect the constitutional rights of citizens to access information and express themselves freely.
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