IPC Slams Gov Bago Over Badegi FM Shutdown, Urges Swift Reopening

The International Press Centre (IPC), through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, has strongly criticized what it termed the illegal closure of Badegi 90.1FM, a radio station based in Niger State. The closure, according to reports monitored by LMSINT MEDIA, was allegedly carried out under the directive of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.

The controversial decision reportedly stemmed from the outcome of an enlarged All Progressives Congress (APC) meeting held on Friday, August 1, during which Governor Bago is said to have ordered the station’s shutdown. This move followed Badegi FM’s broadcast of a programme that was perceived as critical of the state government, raising serious concerns over press suppression.

In a strongly worded statement released over the weekend, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of IPC, labeled the action as “an outright misuse of executive authority”, and described it as “a disgraceful show of disregard for journalistic institutions.”

Arogundade added, “Even if—without admitting—that the radio station committed any professional error, the correct legal path would have been to file a formal complaint to the appropriate media regulatory agencies such as the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).”

He went on to highlight the dangers of such actions, asserting that no democratic society should allow the silencing of media voices under any pretext. He warned that such behavior mirrors the oppressive tendencies of military dictatorships, where fear, threats, and media clampdowns were rampant.

The IPC reiterated that only a court of law is empowered to rule on the legality or otherwise of any alleged media infraction, emphasizing the judiciary’s role in safeguarding freedom of expression.

The centre also demanded the immediate and unconditional reopening of Badegi 90.1FM, cautioning all public figures against engaging in acts that threaten press freedom and constitutional rights.

The IPC’s statement concluded: “This is a democratic nation where the freedom of expression, speech, and thought is enshrined in the Constitution. No official, regardless of rank, has the right to override these fundamental rights.”