Dare Babalola
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has slammed the Niger State Governor, Umar Bago for shutting down Badeggi Radio in Minna over an allegation of inciting violence.
Bago had earlier ordered the Commissioner of Police in the state to close the radio station, causing an uproar among media stakeholders in the country.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, however, asked the governor to report the issue to the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) thorough investigation, pointing out that Bago doesn’t wield such power to shut down a radio station.
Reacting, the NGE, in a statement jointly signed by its President, Eze Anaba and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh on Saturday described the governor’s order as “a blatant attack on press freedom and democracy in Nigeria”.
The association said, “This act of censorship and intimidation undermines the fundamental principles of a democratic society, where free press is essential for holding those in power accountable.
“Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees freedom of expression and press freedom. Also, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Nigeria is signatory to, also guarantees press freedom and freedom of expression
The closure of Badeggi Radio, a vital platform for public discourse and information dissemination, is a worrying trend that threatens the very fabric of our democracy. Governor Bago acted outside his powers to order the closure of a radio station.”
NGE reiterated that only the NBC wields the power to sanction television and radio stations after a thorough investigation of any alleged breach of the Code.
The statement praised the Minister of Information for swiftly addressing the issue and correcting the governor.
“We are happy that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, has pointed this out. This should go beyond observing the anomaly. The federal government should order the unsealing of the premises of the radio station, while investigation is carried out.
“Government officials should know that we are in a democracy and therefore, the act of arbitrary order for the sealing off and closure of a radio station is unacceptable. Arbitrary closure of media houses reminds us of the dark days of military rule, which ended 26 years ago,” the statement added.
The guild admitted that the allegation of incitement of violence must be taken seriously but said the accusation should be investigated and proven before the radio station is sanctioned.
NGE further advise media houses in the country to “operate under strict adherence to the code of ethics of journalism, with responsible conduct at the back of the minds of the professionals”.
Concluding, the guild said, “We also call on the authorities to take measures to respect the rights of citizens to access information and express themselves freely. Badeggi Radio should be reopened while the investigation continues.
“The Guild reiterates that a free and independent press is essential for a functioning democracy and demands that governments at all levels respect and uphold this fundamental right.”
