Yemi Obafemi
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, to immediately withdraw threats to close and demolish Badeggi FM 90.1, a private radio station based in Minna.
In a statement signed by its National President, Alhassan Abdullahi, the union described the alleged actions of the state government as “a blatant act of intimidation and an assault on press freedom.”
According to Abdullahi, the move by the administration of Governor Bago represents a disturbing attempt to silence independent media and violates constitutional provisions.
“The threats issued against Badeggi FM 90.1 by the Niger State Government are deeply troubling and represent a dangerous overreach of executive power. Such actions undermine democracy and send a chilling message to independent media organisations,” he said.
NUJ further stressed that no state government has the constitutional authority to interfere with the operations or facilities of any media house, emphasizing that only the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is empowered to investigate and act on any alleged infractions by broadcast stations through due legal process.
Abdullahi said: “No state government has the constitutional right to interfere with the operations or facilities of any media house.
“It is the responsibility of the NBC to investigate any allegations of wrongdoing by broadcast stations and to take appropriate actions through due process,” the president said.
“Independent journalism must never be stifled through threats, intimidation, or politically motivated directives.
“We are calling on Governor Bago to withdraw the threat of closure and demolition immediately and allow the proper legal channels to address any issues,” Abdullahi stressed.
The union also urged civil society organizations, professional associations, and the general public to resist any form of executive highhandedness that undermines press freedom.
“We will not stand by and watch as journalists and media institutions are harassed for doing their job.”
The Minna-based radio station has come under pressure amid reported efforts by Governor Umaru Bago’s administration to shut it down.
