Nigeria’s Information Minister upholds media freedom in dispute
Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation Alhaji Mohammed Idris has been commended for defending media freedom and the rule of law following his intervention in a recent shutdown directive issued against Badegi FM, a licensed radio station operating in Minna, Niger State.
The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) applauded the Minister’s timely response, which advised the Niger State Governor to route any complaints about the station’s conduct through the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC),the sole body legally empowered to regulate and sanction broadcasters in Nigeria.
In a press statement, by the Executive Secretary of BON, Dr Yemisi Bamgbose,described the Governor’s order as unconstitutional and a violation of the legal process. The organisation reaffirmed that only the NBC has the statutory authority to suspend or revoke a broadcast licence after due process
The Governor had reportedly directed the shutdown of Badegi FM, citing allegations that the station was hostile to his administration. However, the move sparked nationwide concern among media stakeholders, who warned against undermining press freedom.
Bamgbose warned that unilateral actions by political leaders against the media threaten the democratic space.
‘While we encourage all media organisations to operate responsibly and within legal frameworks, no government, federal, state or local has the right to close down a duly licensed broadcaster without going through the proper regulatory channels,’ he stated.
He added that suppressing media voices through executive orders erodes public trust and weakens democratic institutions.
‘The media serves both the government and the governed. Undermining its role without due process is not only unconstitutional but dangerous for national development,’ he said.
Bamgbose urged all levels of government to work in partnership with the media and respect the oversight role of regulatory bodies like the NBC
He also called on journalists to maintain high ethical standards and professionalism, even in politically charged environments
He concluded that BON reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom and responsible broadcasting ,warned against any actions that may stifle the rights of Nigerians to access diverse and credible information.
This article was first published here
