The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has appealed for calm following the suspension of Badegi FM, a radio station based in Minna, Niger State.
His call comes amid rising concerns from media stakeholders over the directive issued by the Niger State Government to halt the station’s operations. Governor Umaru Bago reportedly ordered the shutdown during an expanded APC caucus meeting, citing alleged unethical broadcasting and incitement by the station.
In a statement released through his Special Assistant on Media, Malam Rabiu Ibrahim, the minister acknowledged the concerns but emphasized that the authority to suspend broadcast licenses lies solely with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), as provided by law.
Idris commended the state government for choosing to report the matter to the NBC rather than enforcing the suspension unilaterally. He noted that this step allows for due process to take its course.
He assured the public that the NBC has the mechanisms in place to handle such cases fairly, urging all parties involved to remain patient while the commission addresses the issue through appropriate regulatory channels.
