₦airaland Forum

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a stern warning to the Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, urging him to immediately reverse the “arbitrary and unlawful” decision to strip Badeggi FM of its licence and reinstate the radio station's operations.

The human rights organisation also called on the governor to withdraw his threat to demolish the station’s premises, describing his actions as a severe crackdown on freedom of expression and media freedom.

In an open letter dated August 2, 2025, and signed by Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP condemned Governor Bago's directive last Friday to seal the independent media outlet.

The governor, reportedly unhappy with the station's broadcasts, had ordered the revocation of its licence, profiled its owner, Shuaibu Badeggi, and threatened to demolish the premises.

SERAP's letter described the governor's vague and unsubstantiated allegations of "inciting violence" against Badeggi FM as a pretext to silence critical voices.

“Silencing critical or dissenting voices under the guise of vague and unsubstantiated national security concerns is a fundamental breach of your constitutional oath of office,” the letter stated.

The organisation emphasised that such actions would have a “chilling effect” on media freedom across Nigeria, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The organisation urged Governor Bago to cease his attacks against Shuaibu Badeggi and the station's staff, publicly guarantee their rights to liberty and security, and end the prevailing impunity for media freedom violations in the state.

SERAP also cautioned the governor against "weaponising" the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and law enforcement agencies to further stifle Badeggi FM.

Citing the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights obligations, SERAP argued that the governor's actions were “antithetical to the requirements” of a democratic society.

The letter highlighted that the public's right to information and the press's capacity to engage in public discourse are at stake.

SERAP gave Governor Bago a 48-hour ultimatum to comply with its demands, threatening to “take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and your government to comply with our request in the public interest” if he fails to do so.”

The organisation concluded by stating that the protection of the press is crucial to guaranteeing the public's access to information and upholding the principles of a free and democratic society.

SERAP to Bago: Reinstate Badeggi FM's Licence, End Media Crackdown | https://www.thenewsacceleratornetwork.com/2025/08/serap-to-bago-reinstate-badeggi-fms.html