The Niger State Government has dismissed claims that Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago ordered the closure of Baddegi FM due to political bias or opposition views.

 

In a statement issued in Minna, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Jonathan Vatsa, said some of the station’s broadcasts contained content that amounted to public incitement, warranting government action.

 

Vatsa refuted the allegation that the closure was triggered by an interview with former FIRS Chairman, Mallam Mohammed Mamman Nani, a perceived political rival. “The governor would never stoop so low as to target a media house simply because an opposition figure expressed his opinion,” he said.

 

The closure directive, issued last Friday, has drawn criticism from media stakeholders, many of whom questioned the governor’s constitutional authority to shut down a broadcast outlet and withdraw its license.

 

Aisha Badeggi, General Manager of Baddegi FM, had appeared on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, challenging the government to produce verifiable evidence of incitement or unethical conduct. She also alleged the governor’s discomfort may be linked to 2027 political ambitions.

 

In response, Vatsa dismissed her claims, declaring that Governor Bago is not afraid of any contest in 2027, citing his track record of electoral victories and achievements across the state. “He has never lost an election since 2007 and his performance speaks for itself,” he said.

 

Vatsa added that the recent endorsement of Governor Bago and President Tinubu by APC stakeholders in Niger State underscores confidence in their leadership and signals that “there is no vacancy in the Government House come 2027.”

 

He concluded by affirming that the state government remains open to constructive criticism, but not to “broadcasts that incite the public under the guise of journalism.”