SERAP asks Bago to end crackdown on Badeggi FM
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Governor Umar Bago of Niger State to reverse the “arbitrary and unlawful decision to strip Badeggi FM radio station of its licence,withdraw threat to demolish the station’s premises, and end crackdown on freedom of expression and media freedom in Niger state.” SERAP urged him “to immediately end […]
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Governor Umar Bago of Niger State to reverse the “arbitrary and unlawful decision to strip Badeggi FM radio station of its licence,withdraw threat to demolish the station’s premises, and end crackdown on freedom of expression and media freedom in Niger state.”
SERAP urged him “to immediately end your attacks against Shuaibu Badeggi, the owner of Badeggi FM 90.1, and other staff members of the radio station, publicly guarantee their rights to liberty and security of person, and end the prevailing impunity for violations of freedom of expression and media freedom in your state.”
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SERAP also urged him and his government “to refrain from weaponizing the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and law enforcement agents to further crackdown on Badeggi FM and to uphold your constitutional oath of office to protect Nigerians’ freedom of expression and media freedom in Niger state.”
Mr Bago had last Friday directed the state Commissioner of Police and Commissioner for Homeland Security to seal the independent media outlet, revoke its license, and profile its owner.
The government almost moved to demolish the station, a move that triggered backlash.