FROM SAMSON ALFA,MINNA
Stakeholders in the media industry have condemned the Niger State governor, Mohammed Bago, for shutting down Badeggi Radio over what he described as incitement of the public against government.
A statement by Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Niger State Council signed by its Chairman, Comrade Abu Nmodu and Secretary, Comrade Usman Chiji said the governor’s action is unconstitutional, stressing that only the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, has the authority to withdraw the licence of any media outfit found wanting.
A letter from the Federal Ministry of Information and Strategy signed by the Special Assistant on Media to the minister, Malam Rabiu Ibrahim said the suspension of broadcasting licences falls within the purview of the NBC as stipulated by law.
Also, the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Niger State Chapter has called on Governor Bago to immediately withdraw the directive and refrain from further unconstitutional acts.
It urged all levels of government to uphold the rule of law by respecting constitutional boundaries and protect the freedom of the press.
It urged all levels of government to uphold the rule of law by respecting constitutional boundaries and protect the freedom of the press.
Similarly, a concerned Nigerlite, Yahaya Usman accused the governor of always taking unilateral decisions without consulting his media aides who are professionals.
“As a governor you should understand that your role is different from activism, as it was the case when he was in the House of Representatives. The governor should concentrate on how to build a political structure by empowering people instead of fighting them,” Usman re-emphasised.
The State Ministry of Information and Strategy in a letter signed by the Commissioner, Hajiya Binta Manma reiterated the state’s unwavering respect for freedom of the press in democratic governance.
AljazirahNigeria reports that during an enlarged caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress, APC, held in Minna on August 1, the governor issued a directive for the suspension of Badeggi Radio FM 90.1, a popular private radio station in Minna.
He accused the station of unethical conduct and broadcasting reports capable of disturbing public peace.
