The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) strongly condemn the recent order for the closure of Badeggi Radio by Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State.
The Guild, the umbrella association of topmost journalists in the country, considers the governor’s action as “a blatant attack on press freedom and democracy in Nigeria”.
In a statement signed by Eze Anaba and Onuoha Ukeh, its President and General Secretary, respectively, the Guild says the act of censorship and intimidation undermines the fundamental principles of a democratic society, where free press is essential for holding those in power accountable.
“Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees freedom of expression and press freedom. Also, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Nigeria is signatory to, also guarantees press freedom and freedom of expression”.
It said Governor Bago’s allegation of incitement of violence by the radio station is a serious issue. It, however, said the governor acted outside his powers to order the closure of a radio station.
The statement issued on Saturday said the power to sanction television and radio stations only lies with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) after a thorough investigation of any alleged breach of the Code. It added that the closure of Badeggi Radio, a vital platform for public discourse and information dissemination, is a worrying trend that threatens the very fabric of our democracy.
The NGE said it was happy that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, has pointed out the anomaly, and urged the federal government to go beyond this to order the unsealing of the premises of the radio station, while investigation is carried out.
“Government officials should know that we are in a democracy and therefore, the act of arbitrary order for the sealing off and closure of a radio station is unacceptable, as “arbitrary closure of media houses reminds us of the dark days of military rule, which ended 26 years ago”.
The NGE urged the media to operate under strict adherence to the code of ethics of journalism, with responsible conduct at the back of the minds of the professionals.
It also called on the authorities to take measures to respect the rights of citizens to access information and express themselves freely.
