ADC condemns Governor Bago’s closure of Badeggi FM as “undemocratic, assault on press freedom”
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised Niger State’s Governor Umar Bago for suspending the operations of Badeggi FM, calling the move “undemocratic” and a direct “affront on press freedom.”
In a statement released Saturday in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, labeled the governor’s action an “executive overreach and a disturbing trend.” Abdullahi stated, “This is nothing short of a brazen assault on press freedom and a clear violation of the rule of law in a manner reminiscent of military dictatorship.”
He emphasised that Nigeria’s constitution protects these freedoms, asserting, “Under our constitution, no one has the power to truncate these freedoms under any pretext whatsoever.” Abdullahi argued that if the radio station had acted unethically or overstepped its free speech limits, there are legal provisions and established institutions for legitimate redress.
READ ALSO: Gov Bago under fire for Badeggi FM shutdown as ADC alleges abuse of power
“Under Section 2(1)(b) of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act, the power to sanction a radio station rests solely with the NBC, not with any state governor,” Abdullahi said.
He described it as “outrageous” for an elected governor to accuse citizens of treason and then unilaterally declare them guilty.
The ADC warned that if this act is permitted to stand, it would set a dangerous precedent for press freedom nationwide. Abdullahi cautioned, “Today it is Badeggi FM, tomorrow it could be a newspaper, a social media platform, or a journalist asking the ‘wrong questions.’”
The ADC urged Governor Bago to immediately unseal Badeggi FM and called for an independent investigation into what it described as the misuse of security operatives for political retaliation.
Additionally, Abdullahi called on the National Assembly to take urgent steps to reinforce the autonomy of the NBC and protect broadcast regulation from political interference.
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