AMNESTY International has criticised the closure of Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio in Minna, describing the move by Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, as an abuse of power and an attack on press freedom.
Governor Bago had on Thursday ordered the shutdown of the radio station during an expanded meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus at the Government House, alleging that the station’s broadcasts were inciting violence and unethical in nature.
Responding on Saturday, the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, said the directive lacked legal justification and reflected a pattern of media repression.
“Amnesty International strongly condemns the lawless and repressive order issued yesterday by Governor Umar Bago of Niger State for the closure of Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio Minna – which is an independent source of news for the people of Niger State,” Sanusi said.
“The governor’s allegation against the radio station of ‘inciting violence’ and his order that ‘the licence of the radio station be revoked’ clearly show abuse of power and unacceptable intolerance of critical voices. The order for the closure of the radio station is misguided and unjustifiable.”
Sanusi stated that under Nigerian law, governors do not have the authority to shut down broadcast stations, and called for the immediate reversal of the order.
He also criticised the state government for targeting the media while insecurity, killings, and mass displacement continue to affect communities in the region.
“While bandits and insurgents are ravaging Niger State through killings and massive displacements of rural communities, with both the Federal Government and Niger State failing to protect lives, pointing accusing fingers at a radio station clearly shows a failure of leadership,” he said.
“Targeting independent media is solely aimed at depriving the people of the opportunity to receive fair and objective reporting of issues affecting their lives.”
The organisation described the move as part of a broader effort to instill fear in newsrooms and suppress independent journalism in the country.
