The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned Governor Mohammed Bago’s directive to shut down Badeggi FM 90.1, a privately-owned radio station in Minna, Niger State.
According to NBA President Afam Osigwe, the governor’s action is an affront to constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
Osigwe noted that the governor lacks the constitutional or legal authority to revoke broadcast licenses or shut down media establishments pointing out that only the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has this mandate.
The senior lawyer in a statement, said the Nigerian constitution guarantees freedom of expression under Section 39, including the right to own, operate, and access media.
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The NBA affirms that the governor’s directive is unlawful and without legal effect, emphasizing that media regulation must follow due process through established statutory channels.
The association however calls for the immediate withdrawal of the directive and urges all levels of government to uphold the rule of law, respect constitutional boundaries, and protect the freedom of the press.
(Editor: Okechukwu Eze)
