The Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) has condemned the arbitrary shutdown of Badeggi FM by the Niger State Governor, saying that it is a blatant deployment of executive power which violates the rule of law and the Rights of the media house and of a journalist.
The Governor of Niger State, Mr Mohammed Umaru Bago, had hast week, given a directive that Badeggi FM, a Minna-based Radio Broadcasting stations, be closed down, citing public incitement.
He directed the Commissioner for Homeland Security and Commissioner of Police under lock and key while of a licence should be revoked, the owner profiled and premises marked for demolition.
The Executive Director of CEMESO, Dr Akin Akingbulu, said that the arbitrary closure of Badeggi FM by Governor Bago is a dangerous move which violates the Rights of the media house and of a journalist guaranteed under the constitution.
“Governor Umaru Bago’s action must be given the proper description: a brazen abuse of executive power and assault on the rule of law by a political office holder who pledged to uphold the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He must understand that his action against Badeggi FM is an addition to the growing list of attacks on the press in Niger State under his administration, and questions his credentials as a believer in and respecter of independent and free functioning of institutions in a democracy.
Dr. Akingbulu wondered why the Governor refused to refer his concerns to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the statutory regulator in charge of Broadcasting, which has established presence all over the country, including Niger State.
According to Akingbulu, “the cause of strengthening democracy will be well served when political office holders recognise and Respect the existence and roles of state and non-state institutions under an atmosphere of the rule of law”.
He said that CEMESO joined other independent voices in demanding:
immediate reversal of the order for shutdown as well as withdrawal of licence revocation and building demolition threats by Governor Bago.
a commitment to Respect for freedom of the press and due process: future grievances of political office holders, including Governor Bago, must be channelled to the NBC, as required by law.
a publicly visible response by the NBC, articulating its intervention in this matter, in furtherance of its obligation under the NBC Act: ” guaranteeing and ensuring the liberty and protection of the Broadcasting industry”.
