Information Minister Steps In Amid Controversy Between Governor Bago and Badegi FM Radio
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has stepped in to mediate the escalating dispute involving Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the Minna-based Badegi FM radio station. The controversy began after Governor Bago reportedly ordered the closure of the radio station, accusing it of broadcasting content that allegedly incited public unrest and undermined the state government.
The move to shut down the station has sparked widespread backlash from both national and international bodies. Notably, human rights organization Amnesty International, as well as various labour unions and other civil society stakeholders, have condemned the governor’s action, describing it as an infringement on press freedom and a potential abuse of executive power.
In response to the growing tensions, Minister Mohammed Idris issued a public statement through his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim. The statement urged all parties involved to remain calm and allow due process to take its course. The Minister emphasized that issues related to the conduct of broadcast media are within the jurisdiction of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), which is the legally recognized regulatory body for overseeing and adjudicating matters involving radio and television stations across Nigeria.
Aligations against Badegi FM
The Ministry acknowledged that the Niger State Government had already reported the incident to the NBC for further investigation, a step the Minister welcomed as appropriate and in line with the rule of law. He praised the decision to escalate the issue to the NBC, rather than taking unilateral action, and advised that all parties now await the Commission’s findings and recommendations.
“The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation is aware of the concerns raised by various media stakeholders and rights groups following the recent directive from the Niger State Government to suspend operations of Badegi FM in Minna,” the statement read.
The Minister also noted that the directive from Governor Bago was reportedly issued during an expanded meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus in Niger State, held on August 1, which he himself attended. During the meeting, Governor Bago is said to have accused the station of violating broadcasting ethics and allegedly inciting anti-government sentiments among the public.
Badegi FM’s License remains Active
While recognizing the seriousness of the allegations, the Ministry reiterated that only the NBC has the statutory authority to suspend or revoke the broadcasting license of any media outlet. The Minister therefore reiterated the importance of following legal and procedural channels to resolve such disputes, and reassured the public that the NBC has adequate mechanisms to handle the matter fairly, transparently, and without bias.
“The Minister calls on all involved parties to remain patient and peaceful while the NBC reviews the situation in accordance with its regulatory mandate,” the statement added.
This intervention underscores the critical importance of maintaining a balance between ensuring responsible journalism and upholding constitutional rights such as freedom of expression and access to information. As the NBC begins its investigation, the outcome is expected to set a precedent for how such matters will be handled in the future, especially as Nigeria continues to grapple with tensions between state authority and media independence.
