The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, has appealed to all parties involved in the suspension of Badegi Radio Station to remain calm, assuring that the NBC has the necessary mechanisms to resolve the issue in a fair and impartial manner.
In a statement released on Saturday, August 2, by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, Rabiu Ibrahim, it was said that the Ministry had “taken note of concerns raised by various stakeholders in the media industry regarding the recent directive by the Niger State Government to suspend the operations of Badegi FM, a radio station in Minna.”
According to reports, as stated by the Special Assistant, the governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, issued the directive for the suspension during an expanded Niger State APC Caucus Meeting in Minna on August 1, which the Information Minister attended.
The Governor reportedly cited allegations of unethical broadcasting and incitement against the government
While acknowledging the concerns raised, the Ministry noted that the suspension of broadcasting licenses falls within the purview of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), as stipulated by law.
“In light of this, the Ministry welcomes the decision of the Niger State Government to formally report the perceived ‘unethical behaviour’ of Badegi FM to the NBC for resolution,” the statement read.
