Niger State Clarifies: Closure of Baddegi FM Not Driven by Political Agenda

The Niger State Government has firmly denied any political undertones in the decision by Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago to shut down Baddegi FM, a private radio station.

In a public statement issued in Minna, Jonathan Vatsa, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication, Media, and Strategy, stressed that the closure order had nothing to do with opposition politics but was prompted by content aired on the station which, according to the government, bordered on public incitement.

Broadcast Content Accused of Incitement

According to Vatsa, some of the programming aired by Baddegi FM contained elements that could be classified as inciting the public. He clarified that the governor would not stoop so low as to target a radio station simply because it hosted an opposition figure. Vatsa emphasized that media reports had misrepresented the Governor’s directive, claiming the actual intention was overstated by critics.

It should be recalled that Governor Bago, on the previous Friday, ordered the immediate closure of Baddegi FM and called for the withdrawal of its broadcasting license. The Governor accused the station of deliberately stirring public unrest against the government.

Media Industry Reacts to Shutdown Order

The Governor’s decision was met with backlash from media stakeholders and press freedom advocates, who questioned his legal authority to unilaterally close a media outlet. The situation sparked a larger debate about freedom of expression and executive overreach in Nigeria’s democratic space.

Defense Points to Specific Interview Incident

In defense of the administration’s action, Vatsa pointed to a particular broadcast involving the station’s General Manager, Aisha Badeggi, who had earlier claimed that the governor’s discomfort stemmed from an interview aired with Mallam Mohammed Mamman Nani, a former chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). Nani had commented on the performance of the state government over the past two years.

Appearing on Channels Television’s ‘Morning Brief’, Aisha Badeggi dismissed the governor’s accusations and challenged him to produce “verifiable evidence” of either incitement or unprofessional conduct by Baddegi FM.

She added:

“Perhaps the real issue is that the governor is uncomfortable with Nani’s interview because there are rumors circulating that he intends to contest the governorship seat in 2027.”

No Political Threat, Says Government

Vatsa refuted the speculation, labeling it as unfounded. He asserted that Governor Bago remains unbothered by any potential political competition in the 2027 election cycle, citing the governor’s successful track record as proof of his electability.

“Since 2007, the governor has never lost an election. He served three consecutive terms in the House of Representatives, and his development strides speak volumes,” Vatsa declared.

He further mentioned that Governor Bago’s achievements surpass those of previous administrations in the state, making the notion of political fear baseless.

Strong Party Support Reaffirms Confidence

Highlighting the endorsement of Governor Bago and President Bola Tinubu by stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State, Vatsa said this reaffirmed the political strength and acceptance of the governor. According to him, the endorsement signals that the Government House in 2027 is not open for a new occupant.

Open to Constructive Dialogue

Vatsa concluded by stating that the state government is open to constructive criticism and welcomes public dialogue that aims to identify lapses in government policies or implementation.