The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, for ordering the shutdown of Badeggi FM.
He described the action as a clear abuse of power and a threat to democracy.
In a statement on Saturday signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said Governor Bago is acting like Nigeria is his private estate.
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is greatly concerned about the growing dictatorial tendencies among the state governors of the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC).”
It recalled how the APC Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, recently declared the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, persona non grata in Edo State.
“Now this: Another APC Governor of Niger State, Muhammed Umaru Bago, has just announced a clamp down on a private radio station in the state, with immediate effect in a manner reminiscent of the worst form of military dictatorship.
“Perhaps, Governor Bago needs to be reminded that he was elected by these same people whose truth he now finds so uncomfortable that he is willing to have their heads,” the statement read in part.
“The main idea of democracy is that people have certain freedoms like the freedom to speak, move around, and associate with others. These rights are protected by the Nigerian Constitution, and no one, not even a governor, has the right to take them away for any reason.
“But it seems like some APC governors are acting like they are above the law and need to be reminded how democracy works.
“If a radio station breaks any rules or crosses the line in its reporting, there are proper legal steps to take. There are specific government bodies in charge of handling such issues. According to the law, specifically Section 2(1)(b) of the NBC Act, only the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has the power to punish or shut down a radio station, not any state governor,” the statement added.
According to ADC, Governor Bago has shown little respect for the constitution by treating free speech like a crime and accusing people of treason just because they aired views he didn’t like.
“It’s wrong for any elected leader to act as judge and jury over what people say.”
ADC warns that if this is allowed to continue, it could threaten press freedom everywhere.
“Today it’s Badeggi FM, tomorrow it could be a newspaper, social media, or a journalist asking tough questions. This is how dictatorship starts not with soldiers, but by silencing voices.”
“The party is calling on Nigerians to speak up. Badeggi FM should be reopened immediately, and there should be an independent investigation into the use of security forces for political reasons.”
The party also called on the National Assembly to urgently protect the independence of the NBC and stop political interference in broadcast regulation.