Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, has called for restraint among stakeholders after the Niger State Government suspended Badeggi FM 90.1 over accusations of unethical broadcasting and incitement. The minister’s appeal was conveyed in a statement released by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, on Saturday in Abuja.
The dispute arose after Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago ordered the immediate shutdown of the radio station during an All Progressives Congress (APC) meeting on Friday. The governor accused Badeggi FM of promoting unethical conduct and inciting hostility against his administration, demanding the revocation of its broadcasting license.
While media advocates, including Amnesty International Nigeria and the Nigeria Union of Journalists, have condemned the suspension as an infringement on press freedom, Idris clarified that only the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) holds the legal authority to suspend or revoke broadcast licenses in Nigeria.
The minister noted that the Niger State Government has officially lodged a complaint with the NBC regarding the station’s alleged misconduct. He expressed confidence in the commission’s ability to conduct a fair and unbiased investigation, stressing the need for due process.
Idris urged media professionals, civil society groups, and the public to remain patient while the NBC reviews the case. He assured them that the matter would be handled transparently to ensure justice and protect freedom of expression within legal limits.
The suspension has sparked concerns over media freedom in Niger State, with critics warning against its potential chilling effect on journalism. The NBC is expected to begin its investigation soon, as stakeholders await a resolution to the dispute.
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