BON Commends Minister for Upholding Media Regulation in Response to Niger State Governor’s Directive.
The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) has expressed its appreciation to the Honorable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, for his prompt and appropriate response to the recent directive issued by the Governor of Niger State to shut down a duly licensed radio station operating in the state capital.
The Minister’s guidance to the Governor to refer his concerns and complaints to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is both prudent and within the legal framework governing broadcast media.
The NBC is the statutory body empowered to address issues of compliance and discipline among broadcast outlets, ensuring that any violations of broadcast regulations are examined through due process.
It is imperative to clarify that the authority to regulate broadcast media is exclusively vested in the NBC, thus precluding any state-level government from unilaterally shutting down licensed broadcasters.
The Governor’s order to close Badegi FM, located in Minna and alleged to be hostile towards the state government, is viewed as misguided and a breach of constitutional rights.
The Minister’s counsel reflects a commitment to uphold the rule of law, suggesting that the Governor pursue appropriate channels for addressing any alleged infractions by Badegi FM. By doing so, the Governor can ensure that any claims are investigated fairly and thoroughly by the established regulatory body.
BON emphasizes the vital role of media organizations in fostering a transparent and accountable government. We urge all levels of government to recognize that suppressing media outlets poses a significant threat to democratic governance.
The integrity of our democratic processes relies on a free and independent media landscape, and it is essential for all stakeholders to respect and protect this cornerstone of our society.
