The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned the closure of Badeggi Radio 90.1 FM by Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, describing the action as a gross violation of press freedom and a threat to democratic values.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, decried the Governor’s decision to shut down the independent radio station without recourse to due process, warning that such actions eroded constitutional guarantees on freedom of expression.
“The governor’s decision is disappointing and constitutes a clear violation of Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,” Ojukwu stated.
He noted that suppressing press freedom could result in reduced government transparency, limit civic engagement, obstruct accountability, and ultimately weaken democratic institutions.
“The arbitrary shutdown of media outlets undermines the checks and balances essential to a functioning democracy,” he added.
The Chief Human Rights Officer urged Governor Bago to immediately reopen Badeggi Radio and allow the station to resume full operations. He advised the Governor to channel any grievances about the radio station through appropriate legal and regulatory institutions, such as the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), rather than taking unilateral action.
“This is both a moral imperative and a democratic requirement,” Ojukwu stressed.
As President of the Network of National Human Rights Institutions in West Africa (NNHRI-WA), Ojukwu further called on government authorities to ensure the safety of journalists, protect media freedom, and cultivate an atmosphere of tolerance for diverse opinions.
“Journalists must be able to operate without fear of harassment, intimidation, or violence,” he emphasized.
Ojukwu described the increasing attacks on media organisations across the country as unacceptable in any civilised society, and called on the NBC to be firm in discharging its regulatory responsibilities without political bias or abuse.
He also urged media practitioners to uphold the highest standards of professionalism to avoid unnecessary censorship, while encouraging the Nigerian Guild of Editors to offer regular professional guidance that discourages hate speech, fake news, and unethical reporting.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to promoting and protecting human rights in Nigeria and pledged to continue monitoring the situation closely.
