Amnesty International Slams Gov Bago Over Niger Radio Station

Amnesty International has faulted the decision of Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, to shut down Badeggi 90.1 FM in Minna.

The governor had accused the station of inciting violence and ordered the revocation of its licence during an APC caucus meeting on Thursday.

But Amnesty International described the move as an abuse of power and an attack on press freedom.

In a statement on Saturday, the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, said, “Amnesty International strongly condemns the lawless and repressive order issued yesterday by Governor Umar Bago of Niger State for the closure of Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio Minna – which is an independent source of news for the people of Niger State.

“The governor’s allegation against the radio station of ‘inciting violence’ and his order that the licence of the station be revoked clearly show abuse of power and unacceptable intolerance of critical voices. The order for the closure of the radio station is misguided and unjustifiable.”

Sanusi said instead of silencing the media, the government should focus on tackling insecurity in the state.

“While bandits and insurgents are ravaging Niger through killings and massive displacements of rural communities, with both the Federal Government and Niger State failing to protect lives, pointing accusing fingers at a radio station clearly shows a failure of leadership,” he added.

He urged Bago to immediately withdraw the order, stressing that governors do not have the legal power to close broadcast stations.

“Targeting independent media is solely aimed at depriving the people of the opportunity to receive fair and objective reporting of issues affecting their lives,” Sanusi said.