Badeggi FM, a radio station in the governor’s state of Nigeria, has rejected Governor Umar Bago’s request to stop operating, calling for “concrete evidence” of any wrongdoing and questioning the legality of the action.
Aisha Shuaibu, the general manager of Badeggi FM, claimed that the accusations of inciting public unrest and promoting anti-government sentiments were politically motivated and baseless on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief program.
Where is the proof, if he claims that Badeggi FM has been unethical and that we are inciting people against the government? The evidence must be seen. The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) should be in charge of weighing all the available data. NBC will punish us if we are found guilty, Shuaibu said on Tuesday.
She claims that the station had neither been issued any formal sanctions nor served any formal notice of wrongdoing.
The General Manager revealed that Badeggi FM is still broadcasting and has not stopped working despite the governor’s closure order and a visit from Niger State Urban Development Board officials who had visited the premises.
READ MORE: SERAP Gives the Niger Government a 48-hour ultimatum regarding Badeggi FM Closure.
The state government issued the order to close the station a few days ago in response to concerns over what it called unethical journalism and incitement.
The station believes that political unease may have resulted from its editorial focus on local issues, particularly insecurity, banditry, and community challenges.
“From our end, we make sure to speak with residents, farmers, youth leaders, and vigilantes who are directly affected by insecurity. They show up on our live television programs and reveal what’s actually happening in their neighborhoods. According to me, the governor doesn’t want the truth to be revealed. He opposes bringing up these details, Shuaibu said.
She further claimed that tensions may have gotten worse as a result of the station’s recent interview with former FIRS chairman Muhammad Nami, who is widely believed to have endorsed a 2027 gubernatorial candidate.
“I believe the only thing we did recently was to speak with Muhammad Nami, who is well-known for his interest in 2027. The governor seems threatened, in my opinion. She stated that, especially now that the APC has supported him for a second term, he doesn’t want criticism or other political options in the state.
The governor allegedly called the station’s managing director a treasoner in a more grave accusation.
Shuaibu characterized this as defamatory and revealed that station management is considering seeking legal redress.
The managing director’s accusation of treason is completely unacceptable. She stated that she intends to bring legal action against him for defamation of character.
Source: Channels TV
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