The Federal Government has said only the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has the legal right to suspend a broadcast station in the country, and not any state government.
The government was responding to a directive by the Niger State governor to suspend the operations of Badeggi FM, a radio station in Minna.
The governor, Alhaji Mohammed Umaru Bago, had ordered the closure of the station during an expanded Niger State APC Caucus Meeting in Minna yesterday, which the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, attended.
He cited allegations of unethical broadcasting and incitement against the government by the station.
However, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Rabiu Ibrahim, said in a press statement today that the Ministry of Information and National Orientation has taken note of concerns raised by various stakeholders in the media industry regarding the governor’s directive.
According to the press release, “While acknowledging the concerns raised, the Ministry notes that the suspension of broadcasting licenses falls within the purview of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), as stipulated by law.
“In light of this, the Ministry welcomes the decision of the Niger State Government to formally report the perceived ‘unethical behaviour’ of Badeggi FM to the NBC for resolution.
“The Minister appeals to all parties to remain calm, assuring that the NBC has the necessary mechanisms to resolve the issue in a fair and impartial manner.”
