The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has strongly condemned the closure of Badeggi Radio in Niger State by Governor Mohammed Bago, describing the action as a serious violation of press freedom and a threat to democratic governance.
Reacting to the development, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, expressed disappointment over the shutdown, which he said was carried out without due process. He noted that the governor’s action directly contravenes Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, both of which guarantee freedom of expression.
“This is not just about shutting down a radio station—it is about undermining the very foundation of our democracy,” Ojukwu warned. “Suppressing press freedom fosters government opacity, reduces civic engagement, and weakens accountability and democratic institutions.”
Calling for the immediate unsealing of Badeggi Radio, the NHRC chief urged the governor to seek lawful channels for resolving any grievances against the station, rather than acting with impunity.
“This is both a moral imperative and a democratic necessity,” Ojukwu emphasized, urging all levels of government to respect the role of the media in sustaining democracy.
Dr. Ojukwu, who also serves as President of the Network of National Human Rights Institutions in West Africa (NNHRI-WA), called for greater protections for journalists and stronger support for independent media. He stressed the need for journalists to work free from fear, intimidation, or harassment.
He also criticized recurring attacks on the media in Nigeria, calling such actions “unacceptable in a civilized society,” and urged the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to uphold its statutory responsibilities with integrity, not as a tool for political suppression.
Ojukwu further called on media professionals to adhere to ethical standards, and urged the Nigerian Guild of Editors to provide regular professional guidance to curb fake news, hate speech, and other unprofessional practices.
The NHRC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding human rights and announced it would continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure press freedom is protected in Nigeria.
