SERAP gives Niger gov 48 hours to reopen Badeggi FM

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has given Governor Umar Bago of Niger State 48 hours to reverse what it described as the “arbitrary and unlawful” shutdown of Badeggi FM 90.1, an independent radio station in Minna, the state capital.

In an open letter dated August 2 and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation asked the governor to reinstate the station’s licence, withdraw threats to demolish its premises, and stop profiling its owner, Shuaibu Badeggi.

“Your vague, unfounded and unsubstantiated allegations of ‘inciting violence’ against Badeggi FM and its owner are apparently made to silence the radio station and its owner,” SERAP said in the letter.

Recall, Bago, last Friday, ordered the state Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner for Homeland Security to seal Badeggi FM, revoke its licence, and demolish the building.

He also allegedly directed the profiling of the station’s owner over accusations that the station’s daily broadcasts were unethical and incited the public against the government.

SERAP warned that such action could seriously undermine press freedom ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It said, “The crackdown on Badeggi FM and its owner is capable of discouraging participation of the press in debates over matters of legitimate public concern.

By your arbitrary and unlawful restrictions on Badeggi FM, you have seriously undermined the public’s right to be meaningfully informed, and consequently the station’s capacity to engage in the public discourse that sustains a democratic society.”

The group described the move as a “blatant violation” of both the Constitution and international human rights treaties to which the country is a signatory, including Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

“Shutting down the station, arbitrarily revoking its licence, threatening to unlawfully demolish its premises and profiling the station’s owner are all clearly antithetical to the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) and the country’s international human rights obligations,” the letter read.

SERAP also called on the governor to end alleged intimidation of Badeggi FM staff and uphold their right to liberty and personal security.

“Your brutal attacks on Badeggi FM, its owner and other staff members of the station constitute a serious restriction on the development of democracy in the country, since it impedes free debate over ideas and opinions.

“Media outlets in Niger State must be free to enable debate on issues of public interest without fear of reprisals,” SERAP said.

The organisation accused the governor of weaponising regulatory institutions and law enforcement to clamp down on dissent.

Your directive to revoke the licence of the station, close it down and demolish its premises is also an affront to Nigerians’ right to seek, receive, and impart information ‘of all kinds’ and participate in public discourse,” SERAP added.

It warned that any further failure to act would prompt legal action, as it continued, “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 48 hours of the receipt and/or publication of this letter.

“If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”

It concluded by reiterating the vital role of the media in a democratic society.

“The Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties protect the press not merely so that specific journalists may conduct their work; they protect the press in order to guarantee the public’s right of access to information in the public interest,” SERAP said.