The Gilda of the publishers condemns the radio closure of badgeggi, requires reopening – Thage

The Nigerian guild of the publishers, NGE, strongly condemned the recent order for the closure of the radio Badeggi by the governor Mohammed Umar Bago of the State of the Niger.

Saturday, the president and secretary general of the Gilda, Ezedeumba Anaba and Ukeh Onuoha, declared Saturday that the closure was a clear attack on freedom of the press and democracy in Nigeria.

“This act of censorship and intimidation undermines the fundamental principles of a democratic society, in which the free press is essential to consider those in power responsible”, they said, adding that, adding, adding that, adding that adding that adding that adding that, adding that, adding that, adding that, adding that, adding that, adding that, adding that adding that adding that adding that adding that adding that, adding that adding that adding that adding that adding that, additionally

“Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees freedom of expression and freedom of the press. Furthermore, article 9 of the African Charter on human rights and people, to whom Nigeria is signed, also guarantees freedom of press and freedom of expression.”

According to them, the closure of the Radio Badgeggi, a vital platform for public discourse and the dissemination of information, is a worrying tendency that threatens the very tissue of our democracy. Governor Bago acted outside his powers to order the closure of a radio station.

The power to sanction television and radio stations, both supported, lies only with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) after an in -depth investigation of any alleged violation of the code.

“We are happy that the Minister of information and national orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, has underlined it. This should go beyond the observation of the anomaly. The federal government should order the implementation of the premises of the radio station, while the investigations are conducted.

“Government officials should know that we are in a democracy and, therefore, the deed of arbitrary order for the seal and the closure of a radio station is unacceptable. The arbitrary closure of the media houses reminds us of the dark days of military domain, which ended 26 years ago.

“The governing of the governor Bago on the incubation of violence by the radio station is a serious problem, which must be studied and demonstrated before any action can be undertaken. We urge the media to operate under a close adherence to the ethical code of journalism, with a conduct responsible at the bottom of the minds of the professionals.

“We also ask the authorities to adopt measures to respect the rights of citizens to access information and express themselves freely. Radio badgeggi should be reopened while the investigation continues.

“The Gilda reiterates that a free and independent press is essential for a functioning democracy and requires that governments of all levels respect and support this fundamental right”.

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