The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) denounced the Niger State Government on Sunday for threatening to close Badeggi FM 90.1 and damage the station’s building.
Chronicle NG reports that the Minna-based radio station is privately held and has been under pressure as a result of claimed moves by Governor Umar Bago’s administration.
In a statement to our correspondent signed by NUJ National President Alhassan Abdullahi, the union described the claimed conduct as “a blatant act of intimidation and an assault on press freedom.”
“The threats issued against Badeggi FM 90.1 by the Niger State Government are deeply troubling and represent a dangerous overreach of executive power.
“Such actions undermine democracy and send a chilling message to independent media organisations,” he said.
The NUJ reminded the state government that the National Broadcasting Commission is Nigeria’s only constitutionally constituted entity for regulating, licensing, and sanctioning broadcasters.
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“No state government has the constitutional right to interfere with the operations or facilities of any media house.
“It is the responsibility of the NBC to investigate any allegations of wrongdoing by broadcast stations and to take appropriate actions through due process,” the NUJ president said.
According to the NUJ, freedom of the press is enshrined in the Constitution and is essential to the survival of democratic governance.
“Independent journalism must never be stifled through threats, intimidation, or politically motivated directives.
“We are calling on Governor Bago to withdraw the threat of closure and demolition immediately and allow the proper legal channels to address any issues,” Abdullahi stressed.
The union also urged civil society groups, professional associations, and the general public to resist any form of executive high-handedness that undermines press freedom.
“We will not stand by and watch as journalists and media institutions are harassed for doing their job,” Abdullahi concluded.
