The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned the closure of Badeggi Radio in Niger State by Governor Umar Bago, describing it as not only a suppression of press freedom but an affront to democracy.
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The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu SAN, while reacting to the closure of Badeggi radio, said the governor’s decision to shut down the radio station without following due process is disappointing and a clear violation of the right to freedom of expression, as guaranteed by Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The NHRC boss noted that the consequences of suppressing press freedom are far-reaching and can lead to increased government opacity, reduced citizen participation, creating obstacles to accountability, and weakening of democratic institutions.
“The arbitrary shutdown of media outlets undermines the checks and balances essential to a functioning democracy,” Ojukwu said, in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday by Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, the Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages of the Commission.
He called on Governor Bago to immediately unseal the radio station and allow it to resume full operations.
Ojukwu called on the Governor to channel issues concerning any alleged unconstitutional operations of the radio station to the appropriate authority and not act with impunity.
The NHRC boss, who is also the president of the Network of National Human Rights Institutions in West Africa ( NNHRI-WA) urged governments to protect journalists and media freedom, foster a culture of tolerance, and support independent media.
“Journalists must be able to operate without fear of harassment, intimidation, or violence.”
He emphasised and lamented that the media has severely come under attack in various forms, a situation he termed as unacceptable in a civilised society.
He called on the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to be firm in carrying out its statutory mandate, which must not be abused at any slight opportunity and further urged media practitioners to be professional at all times to prevent needless censorship by political office holders.
Ojukwu also called on the Nigerian Guild of Editors to provide professional guidance at regular intervals to curb the use of hate speech, fake news and other unprofessional conduct capable of adversely affecting the media houses.
While the Commission remains committed to promoting and protecting human rights in Nigeria, it will continue to monitor the situation closely, Ojukwu said.
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