Rotimi Idris
…says Bago lack authority to shut down broadcast stations
Human rights organisation, Amnesty International has demanded immediate reopening of Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio in Minna, Niger State, which was shut down by the state governor, Umar Bago.
The organisation, in a statement by its Director, Isa Sanusi said no state governor has the authority to shut down broadcast stations.
Amnesty International said the allegation that the radio station was “inciting violence” and the subsequent directive to revoke its licence represent an abuse of power, adding that the order for the closure of the radio station is misguided and unjustifiable.
Sanusi criticised the state government’s focus on media clampdown amid worsening insecurity in the region, including killings and mass displacement by armed groups.
His words, “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 sources 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 dadio station be revoked’ clearly shows abuse of power and unacceptable intolerance of critical voices. The order for the closure of the radio station is misguided and unjustifiable.”
