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.
Protest Song Faces Government Censorship Nigerian social activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) has made headlines for pledging financial support to produce a new music video for Eedris Abdulkareem’s controversial song, “Tell Your Papa.” The track, which delivers a strong political message, was recently banned by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) on claims that it was inappropriate and offensive. According to LMSINT MEDIA reports, the Federal Government’s action stirred public attention toward the song, sparking debates over freedom of expression in Nigeria. NBC Ban Sparks Viral Outrage The NBC officially prohibited the broadcast of “Tell Your Papa” on radio and television, stating the lyrics were not suitable for public media. However, this ban seemingly backfired, increasing curiosity around the song, which initially flew under the radar. In response, VeryDarkMan lambasted the government for attempting to silence truth through censorship. He stated that the song’s message about economic hardship and rising insecurity in Nigeria reflected the reality many citizens face daily. VeryDarkMan’s Pledge to Sponsor New Music Video In a social media broadcast, VeryDarkMan addressed his decision to support Abdulkareem: “I saw the message sent to Eedris from NBC saying the song was banned. It’s clear they don’t want people hearing the truth. He was just asking Seyi Tinubu to tell his father, President Tinubu, that Nigerians are suffering.” VeryDarkMan continued by emphasizing the power of social media as a platform that cannot be easily silenced: “We don’t even depend on TV or radio anymore. Let’s move this to social media. We will reshoot the video. I’ll sponsor it. I’ll feature in it. We’ll even get someone who looks like Tinubu to act in the video.” Tell Your Papa 2: The Sequel That Hits Harder According to VDM, the new video—titled “Tell Your Papa 2”—will not only revisit the song’s original themes but will also expand its message by spotlighting other pressing issues plaguing the country, including: He added that this initiative is more than a music video—it’s a movement. “They listen but refuse to act. Then they suppress the media so no one speaks out. But we won’t let them control our voices anymore.” Why This Matters: Art as a Tool for Social Change This isn’t the first time Nigerian artists have used music to call out injustice. From Fela Kuti to Burna Boy, protest music has always been a voice for the voiceless. The censorship of “Tell Your Papa” raises critical questions about the limits of free speech in Nigeria and the role of digital platforms in activism. For context, the NBC has previously drawn criticism for banning songs deemed critical of the government or too explicit—see this BBC article on Nigerian music censorship for more examples. Related Story You might also like: What You Listen To Really Matters: The Power of Music in Society Conclusion: From Censorship to Amplification Rather than silence the message, the NBC’s ban of “Tell Your Papa” has created a wave of renewed interest and activism. With VeryDarkMan’s involvement and sponsorship, the protest anthem is poised for a powerful comeback—this time through the unfiltered world of social media. The incident underscores a growing truth: the internet is the new stage, and efforts to mute dissent only make it louder. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
