The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has unequivocally condemned the unilateral closure of Badeggi Radio Station by Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, decrying the act as a direct and severe assault on the fundamental tenets of press freedom and democratic governance within Nigeria.
In a powerful press release, jointly signed by President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh, the Guild articulated its profound concern over what it perceives as an egregious act of censorship and intimidation. This move, they warned, threatens to erode the foundational pillars of a free society and the inalienable right to free expression, crucial elements of a functioning democracy.
The NGE meticulously highlighted relevant constitutional safeguards, specifically referencing Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, both of which robustly guarantee the liberty of expression and the independence of the press. The Guild vehemently asserted that Governor Bago’s directive to seal the station bypassed due process and usurped the exclusive authority of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the sole body mandated to sanction broadcasting entities after thorough investigation.
Drawing chilling parallels to Nigeria’s dark era of military dictatorship, the editors issued a stark caution against any regression to arbitrary measures that stifle independent media. They underscored that such actions, reminiscent of authoritarian rule, are profoundly unacceptable in a nation that has transitioned into a democratic governance structure over two decades ago.
While acknowledging Governor Bago’s serious accusation that Badeggi Radio incited violence, the NGE firmly maintained that such grave allegations demand rigorous investigation and incontrovertible proof before any punitive action is justifiable. This stance reinforces the principles of fair hearing and due process in any matter concerning public discourse.
The Guild also took the opportunity to reiterate the media’s paramount responsibility to uphold stringent ethical standards in its reporting. Concurrently, it emphasized the imperative to safeguard citizens’ inherent rights to access diverse information and freely articulate their viewpoints, underscoring that these are cornerstones of a truly open society.
Concluding their urgent appeal, the Nigerian Guild of Editors unequivocally called for the immediate reopening of Badeggi Radio, advocating that the ongoing investigation should proceed while the station remains operational. This strong declaration underscores the critical role of a free and unhindered press in nurturing and sustaining Nigeria’s democratic aspirations.
