Nigerian Guild of Editors condemn Badeggi Radio closure as threat to democracy

Badeggi Radio closure by Gov. Bago sparks backlash. Nigerian Editors Guild calls it an undemocratic move and urges immediate reopening and due investigation

Badeggi Radio closure by Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has sparked national outcry, with the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) calling it a direct assault on press freedom and democracy.

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In a statement signed by President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh, the NGE labeled the governor’s action a “blatant attack” on the fundamental right to free expression.

“This act of censorship and intimidation undermines the foundation of any democratic society,” the Guild said, stressing that Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights guarantee freedom of the press.

The Editors clarified that only the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) holds the legal authority to sanction broadcast stations not state governors.

They lauded the Federal Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, for affirming this publicly.

“The Federal Government must now act, not just observe,” the Guild insisted. “Badeggi Radio should be unsealed while the allegations are properly investigated.”

Governor Bago had accused the station of inciting violence an allegation the NGE described as serious but insufficient to justify such unilateral closure without due process.

Warning against a return to the authoritarian tactics of military rule, the Guild called the move a dangerous precedent.

“We urge the media to uphold ethical standards, but also call on authorities to respect constitutional rights,” it said.

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The Guild’s position reinforces growing demands for responsible governance and institutional checks amid what many see as a creeping erosion of civil liberties.