IPC Condemns Closure of Badegi FM by Gov Bago, Demands Immediate Reopening

The International Press Centre (IPC) has strongly condemned the reported shutdown of Badegi 90.1 FM in Niger State, allegedly ordered by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago. The action, according to IPC, represents a blatant abuse of executive power and an attack on press freedom.

It was disclosed that the closure followed an expanded All Progressives Congress (APC) meeting held on Friday, August 1, where Governor Bago allegedly instructed the station be taken off air due to its broadcast of content deemed critical of the state government.

In a statement released over the weekend, the Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, described the move as “an abysmal display of disregard for media independence and a violation of democratic principles.”

“Even if, without conceding, the station committed an infraction, the lawful step would have been to file a complaint with the appropriate media regulatory authorities,” Arogundade stated. “This is not a military dictatorship where fear and repression reign. The media must not be silenced under any guise.”

The IPC emphasised that only a competent court of law has the constitutional authority to rule on any alleged wrongdoing by a media organisation.

The centre therefore demanded the immediate and unconditional reopening of Badegi FM and warned public officials against using state power to suppress freedom of expression.

“This is a democracy,” the statement added, “where freedom of speech, expression, and thought are not just protected they are the bedrock of governance.”