By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has launched a scathing condemnation of the recent closure of Badeggi Radio in Niger State by Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, describing the action as a dangerous assault on press freedom and a blatant affront to Nigeria’s democracy.
The Commission’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, expressed deep concern over what he called an “arbitrary and unlawful” decision to shut down the radio station without adherence to legal procedures, the statement signed by the Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed made available to Precise Post on Sunday said.
Dr. Ojukwu emphasized that the governor’s action amounts to a gross violation of the fundamental right to freedom of expression as enshrined in Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
“The arbitrary shutdown of media outlets undermines the checks and balances essential to a functioning democracy,” the country’s chief human rights officer warned, stressing the far-reaching consequences of suppressing media freedom—including increased government secrecy, reduced citizen participation, weakened accountability, and erosion of democratic institutions.
Dr. Ojukwu, who also serves as President of the Network of National Human Rights Institutions in West Africa (NNHRI-WA), called for the immediate reopening of Badeggi Radio and urged Governor Bago to pursue any grievances through lawful channels, rather than resorting to executive overreach.
“This is both a moral imperative and a democratic requirement,” he said.
Highlighting the growing hostility toward the media in Nigeria, Dr. Ojukwu lamented the increasing frequency of attacks on journalists and press institutions—an alarming trend he described as “unacceptable in any civilized society.”
He also called on the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to uphold its statutory mandate responsibly and without bias, warning that regulatory powers must never be weaponized against the media.
Urging journalists to maintain professionalism, Dr. Ojukwu advised media practitioners to avoid hate speech, misinformation, and other unethical practices that could open the door to censorship. He called on the Nigerian Guild of Editors to intensify efforts to guide and train its members, ensuring media houses operate within ethical bounds.
The NHRC reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring developments surrounding the Badeggi Radio closure and pledged to continue defending press freedom and human rights in Nigeria.
The message is clear: Democracy dies in darkness — and the silencing of the press is a dangerous first step.
