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The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, has stated that only the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has the power to suspend the licence of any radio station.
Naija News recalls that Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State had ordered the immediate shutdown of Badeggi FM Radio in Minna, the state capital.
This was communicated in statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, who disclosed that Bago gave the directive during the expanded Niger State All Progressives Congress (APC) Caucus meeting held at the Government House.
He stated that the Governor directed the State Commissioner of Police and Commissioner for Homeland Security, Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed (RTD) to shut down the media outfit.
According to the statement, Bago directed that the licence of the station be confiscated and the owner be profiled.
But reacting in a statement on Saturday, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Rabiu Ibrahim, said the Minister has called on stakeholders in the media industry to remain calm.
While noting that only the NBC can suspend a radio station’s licence, Idris welcomed the decision of the Niger State Government to formally report the perceived “unethical behavior” of Badegi FM to the NBC for resolution.
The statement read: “Ministry of Information and National Orientation has 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, the Governor of Niger State, His Excellency Mohammed Umaru Bago, issued the directive during an expanded Niger State APC Caucus Meeting in Minna on August 1, which the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation attended. The Governor reportedly cited allegations of unethical broadcasting and incitement against the government
“While acknowledging the concerns raised, the Ministry notes 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 behavior” of Badegi FM to the NBC for resolution.
“The Minister appeals to all parties to remain calm, assuring that the NBC has the necessary mechanisms to resolve the issue in a fair and impartial manner.”
The post BREAKING: ‘Only NBC Can Suspend Licence’ – FG Reacts As Niger Govt Orders Shutdown Of Radio Station appeared first on Naija News.
