The outburst of Niger Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago in which he ordered the closure of a broadcast medium in the state, Badeggi Radio Station, and directed the revocation of its operating licence has excited disapproval from the federal government.
The governor had directed the State Commissioner of Police and Commissioner for Homeland Security, Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed (RTD) to carry out his order.
Bago in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim to announce the development, accused the station of inciting the public against the government.
The pronouncement has been met with wide disapproval from several quarters including Amnesty International who viewed it as a suppression of press freedom.
The federal government through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has now had a share in the conversation.
Idris via a statement his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim released, said it is not in the place of the governor to revoke a broadcast station licence or suspend its operation.
“While acknowledging the concerns raised, the Ministry notes that the suspension of broadcasting licenses falls within the purview of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), as stipulated by law. In light of this, the Ministry welcomes the decision of the Niger State Government to formally report the perceived ‘unethical behavior’ of Badegi FM to the NBC for resolution,” the statement reads.
“The Minister appeals to all parties to remain calm, assuring that the NBC has the necessary mechanisms to resolve the issue in a fair and impartial manner,” it added.
