OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF NIGER STATE
ON THE DIRECTIVE TO CLOSE BADEGGI 90.1 FM RADIO STATION
By the Nigerian Bar Association, Minna Branch
Dated: 2nd August, 2025
His Excellency,
Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago,
Executive Governor, Niger State,
Government House, Minna.
Your Excellency,
RE: THE ORDER TO CLOSE BADEGGI 90.1 FM RADIO STATION – A PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE ON LEGAL DUE PROCESS AND DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Minna Branch, extends its esteemed regards to Your Excellency and expresses its appreciation for your administration’s visible strides in agricultural transformation, youth development, and infrastructural growth across Niger State.
We are mindful of the recent directive issued by Your Excellency at the expanded APC caucus meeting concerning the closure of Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio Station, on the grounds of alleged incitement of the public against the government and unethical broadcasting practices.
As a professional body deeply committed to the defence of the rule of law, the promotion of constitutional democracy, and the protection of human rights, the NBA Minna Branch deems it necessary to respectfully offer its informed legal perspective on this development, in line with our shared duty to promote good governance and uphold lawful standards in public administration.
It is imperative to note that under Nigerian law, specifically the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act, the regulation, oversight, and sanctioning of broadcast media, including the revocation of licences, lies solely within the purview of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC)—a federal regulatory institution established by statute.
Accordingly, while Your Excellency may rightly be concerned about any conduct capable of threatening public order or peace, the appropriate and lawful course of action would be to petition the NBC or seek redress through a court of law, rather than issuing a direct administrative order for closure or licence revocation. Such executive action, though well-intended, may be perceived as conflicting with constitutional guarantees such as freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and the right to fair hearing, as enshrined in Sections 36 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
As a non-partisan body and partner in governance, the NBA Minna Branch reaffirms its willingness to collaborate closely with the Government of Niger State in all matters of law and governance—be they complex or routine. Our commitment remains unwavering in supporting efforts to ensure public safety, peaceful coexistence, and the overall welfare of our citizens.
In light of the foregoing, we respectfully urge that further steps regarding the said radio station be channeled through the appropriate regulatory and legal frameworks. Doing so will not only demonstrate the government’s fidelity to constitutional order but also reinforce public trust in the administration’s commitment to justice, fairness, and democratic norms.
We thank Your Excellency for your distinguished service and assure you of our continued support in advancing a lawful, peaceful, and prosperous Niger State.
Signed:
Isyaku Barau, Esq.
Chairman NBA Minna Branch
