Amnesty International has strongly condemned the recent directive by Governor Umar Bago of Niger State ordering the closure of Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio Station in Minna, describing it as a clear abuse of power and an attack on press freedom.
The human rights organization raised alarm over the allegation that the radio station was “inciting violence”, which led to the governor's call for the revocation of its license. Amnesty stated that this action is both misguided and unjustifiable.
In a statement on Saturday, the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, criticized the clampdown on media amid rising insecurity in the state, including killings and mass displacement caused by armed groups. He said the order was lawless and repressive, targeting an independent source of news for the people of Niger State.
Sanusi stated, “The governor’s allegation against the radio station and his call for the revocation of its license show unacceptable intolerance of critical voices. While bandits and insurgents are wreaking havoc in Niger State, blaming a radio station is a misplaced priority and a failure of leadership.”
He emphasized that state governors have no legal authority under Nigerian law to shut down broadcast stations. He also described the move as part of a larger pattern of repression aimed at silencing journalists and restricting access to independent and objective reporting.
“Governor Bago must immediately withdraw his unlawful order. Targeting Badeggi 90.1 FM is an open attack on media freedom and an attempt to create a climate of fear across newsrooms in Nigeria,” Sanusi added.
Amnesty warned that such actions threaten the public's right to access accurate and fair reporting, particularly during a time of widespread insecurity.
Governor Bago had given the closure directive during the expanded Niger State APC Caucus meeting on Thursday, citing alleged unethical conduct by the station.
ADEOLA KUNLE
