NBA CONDEMNS BADEGGI FM SHUTDOWN, CALLS GOVERNOR BAGO’S ACTION ‘EXECUTIVE RASCALITY

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the shutdown of Badeggi FM by Niger State Governor Umar Bago, describing the move as “executive rascality of the highest order” and a gross abuse of power.

The governor had on Friday ordered the suspension of Badeggi FM’s operations, citing alleged unethical broadcasting and incitement against the government. However, in a statement issued Saturday, NBA President Afam Osigwe declared the action unconstitutional, warning that it poses a serious threat to press freedom and Nigeria’s democratic values.

“This constitutes executive rascality of the highest order. It is a blatant abuse of power that undermines constitutional democracy and the rule of law,” Osigwe said.

He emphasized that only the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is legally empowered to regulate and sanction broadcasting stations in Nigeria, including the suspension or revocation of licences.

“The governor lacks the constitutional or legal authority to revoke broadcast licences or shut down any media establishment,” Osigwe added, insisting that Governor Bago’s directive has no legal effect and should be disregarded by all relevant enforcement agencies.

The NBA urged the Commissioner of Police and other authorities to resist carrying out illegal orders that infringe on constitutional rights. It warned that any regulation of the media must follow due process through established legal frameworks, not arbitrary actions by political officeholders.

Calling the shutdown a direct attack on press freedom, the NBA demanded an immediate reversal of the directive and urged public officials to respect constitutional limits.

“We call on Governor Bago to immediately withdraw this directive and refrain from further unconstitutional acts. A free and independent media is not a privilege – it is a constitutional right and a cornerstone of any democratic society,” the statement read.

The NBA reaffirmed its commitment to defending democratic institutions and upholding the rule of law across all levels of government.