Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, has called for calm following the suspension of operations at Badegi FM, a radio station in Minna, Niger State.
Rabiu Ibrahim, the minister’s special assistant on media, delivered the statement on Saturday in Abuja.
Idris acknowledged the concerns expressed by numerous media sector players on the Niger State Government’s recent directive to cease the FM station’s activities.
According to reports, Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State made the directive during an enlarged state All Progressives Congress caucus meeting in Minna on Friday, citing the station’s unethical programming and incitement.
While acknowledging the concerns highlighted, the minister stated that the suspension of broadcasting licenses is within the authority of the National Broadcasting Commission, as required by law.
“In the light of this, the minister welcomes the decision of the Niger government to formally report the perceived ‘unethical behaviour’ by Badegi FM to the NBC,” the statement said.
Idris urged all parties to keep calm, reminding them that the NBC has the tools to settle the problem in a fair and impartial manner.
