NUJ cautions Bago over closure of Badeggi FM, says action threatens press freedom

The Niger State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has cautioned Governor Mohammed Bago against issuing unilateral directives affecting media operations in the state, describing the recent shutdown of Badeggi FM 90.1 as a threat to democratic values and press freedom.

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In a statement signed by the State Secretary, Usman Chiji, the NUJ reminded the governor that only the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has the legal mandate to license or revoke broadcast rights, subject to due process and judicial oversight.

The position of the Council followed an emergency meeting of the State Working Committee, convened in response to the governor’s directive ordering the closure of the privately-owned radio station based in Minna.

The union noted that while executive powers can be exercised, especially in matters concerning public order, such actions must be in accordance with democratic tenets and should not undermine the independence of the media.

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“The governor should have approached the NBC with any complaint of professional misconduct rather than issuing an outright closure order,” the statement said.

“As a professional body, the NUJ could have been appropriately engaged to handle such issues internally.”

The NUJ reiterated its stance against media recklessness but emphasised that gagging the press is not a solution.

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It urged all journalists in the state to adhere strictly to the ethics of the profession to maintain public confidence.

The statement said the union has inaugurated a committee led by a veteran journalist, Dan Amashingha, to oversee the revalidation of NUJ membership in the state.

Calling for a reversal of the closure order in the interest of democracy, the NUJ appealed to Governor Bago to foster media partnerships instead of adopting punitive measures that could erode public trust and suppress dissent.

“Democracy thrives on freedom of expression and a vibrant media. The Union urges the immediate withdrawal of the order in the interest of democracy and invariably, press freedom,” the statement concluded.