Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris said on Saturday that he has taken note of concerns raised by various stakeholders in the media industry regarding the recent directive by the Niger State Government to suspend the operations of Badegi FM, a radio station in Minna.
According to reports, the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, issued the directive during an expanded Niger State APC Caucus Meeting in Minna on August 1, which the Minister of Information and National Orientation attended. The Governor reportedly cited allegations of unethical broadcasting and incitement against the government.
Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, said that while acknowledging the concerns raised, the Minister noted 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 has welcomed the decision of the Niger State Government to formally report the perceived “unethical behavior” of Badegi FM to the NBC for resolution.
He said the Minister has appealed to all parties to remain calm, assuring that the NBC has the necessary mechanisms to resolve the issue in a fair and impartial manner.
