Nigeria’s media professionals have strongly condemned Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago’s shutdown of Badeggi Radio, labeling the action an unconstitutional assault on press freedom.
The Nigerian Guild of Editors issued a stern rebuke on Saturday, with President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh warning the move dangerously echoes military-era censorship tactics. “This arbitrary closure reminds us of the dark days of military rule,” their statement read, referencing Nigeria’s democratic transition 26 years ago.
The editors emphasized that only the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission holds legal authority to sanction stations after proper investigations. They welcomed Information Minister Mohammed Idris’s intervention but demanded immediate reopening of the station pending any official probe into alleged violations.
Governor Bago had accused the station of inciting violence, claims the Guild said require proper judicial scrutiny before punitive action. While urging media responsibility, the professional body stressed that due process remains sacrosanct in democratic governance.
The controversy highlights growing tensions between state governments and independent media, with press freedom advocates warning such actions could undermine Nigeria’s democratic foundations. The Guild reiterated that free journalism remains essential for government accountability and national development.
This incident follows increasing concerns about subnational authorities disregarding constitutional media protections, setting what analysts describe as a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s information ecosystem ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
