The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a strong condemnation of the recent order by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State to shut down Badeggi FM 90.1, a privately owned radio station operating in Minna.
In a statement signed by NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the Association described the governor’s directive carried out via instructions to the state Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner of Homeland Security as a “blatant abuse of power” and a violation of the Nigerian Constitution.
The governor’s actions reportedly included marking the station for demolition and profiling its owner, raising serious concerns about the use of state power for intimidation and suppression of media voices.
“The governor has no legal or constitutional authority to shut down a media house or revoke its license. That power lies solely with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), which must follow due process,” the NBA emphasized.
The Association warned that the use of security agencies to enforce unlawful executive orders undermines the rule of law and poses a threat to press freedom and democratic governance.
Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, including the right to operate and access the media. The NBA stressed that any restriction or closure of a media outlet must be done lawfully, through proper regulatory or judicial processes not by executive fiat.
The NBA’s key positions include:
- Governor Bago’s order is unconstitutional and lacks legal effect.
- The Commissioner of Police and other security agencies must not enforce unlawful directives.
- Media regulation must be handled exclusively by authorized regulatory bodies, following due process.
- The closure of Badeggi FM represents a serious threat to press freedom and violates democratic norms.
Calling for the immediate reversal of the shutdown order, the NBA urged the governor to desist from any further unconstitutional actions. It also called on all arms of government to respect legal limits and protect media independence.
“A free and independent press is not a favor granted by the government it is a constitutional right and a cornerstone of democracy,” the statement concluded.
