Abuja: The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticized the suspension of Badeggi FM’s operations by Governor Umar Bago of Niger State, labeling the move as undemocratic and an attack on press freedom. The ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, stated that the suspension represented an ‘executive overreach’ and a concerning trend.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the ADC’s statement described the action as a blatant assault on press freedom and a violation of the rule of law, reminiscent of military rule. Abdullahi emphasized that the constitution protects these freedoms from being curtailed under any pretext.
Abdullahi argued that if Badeggi FM had acted unethically or overstepped free speech boundaries, there are legal avenues for addressing such issues. He pointed out that specific institutions are tasked with ensuring compliance with broadcasting standards.
Citing Section 2(1)(b) of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act, Abdullahi clarified that only the NBC holds the authority to sanction a radio station, not a state governor. He criticized the governor’s actions as an outrageous overreach, suggesting Bago accused citizens of treason and pronounced them guilty unilaterally.
The ADC warned that allowing this action to stand could set a dangerous precedent, threatening press freedom nationwide. Abdullahi urged Governor Bago to reopen Badeggi FM immediately and called for an independent investigation into what he termed the misuse of security forces for political retaliation.
