The new coalition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed concerns over the growing dictatorial tendencies among state governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party specifically highlighted Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago’s recent clampdown on a private radio station, reminding the ruling party that Nigeria is a democracy and not a private estate.
“We recall the recent public statement made by the APC Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, declaring the presidential candidate of the Labour Party and a leading member of the coalition movement persona non-grata in Edo State.
“Now this: another APC Governor of Niger State, Muhammed Umaru Bago, has just announced a clampdown on a private radio station in the state, with “immediate effect” in a manner reminiscent of the worst form of military dictatorship.
“Perhaps, Governor Bago needs to be reminded that he was elected by these same people whose truth he now finds so uncomfortable that he is willing to have their heads.
“The cardinal principle of liberal democracy is the freedoms it guarantees, including freedom of speech, movement, or association,” the party said in statement issued through it National Publicity Secretary, Mall. Bolaji Abdullahi. “Under our constitution, no one has the power to truncate these freedoms under any pretext whatsoever.”
Abdullahi emphasised that the power to sanction a radio station rests solely with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), not state governors.
“By criminalising free speech and declaring dissent as treason, Governor Bago has demonstrated scant regard for the constitution he swore to uphold,” Abdullahi stated.
“The cardinal principle of liberal democracy are the freedoms it guarantees, which includes freedom of speech, movement or association. Under our constitution, no one has the power to truncate these freedoms under any pretext whatsoever. But it does appear that the APC governors who consider themselves as some kind of emperors need to be educated on this democratic principle.
“If the said radio station has behaved unethically in any way or has transgressed the limits of free speech, there are provisions in the laws for legitimate redress and there are institutions saddled with the responsibility of ensuring compliance. Under Section 2(1)(b) of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act, the power to sanction a radio station rests solely with the NBC — not with any state governor.”
The ADC, however, urged Nigerians to resist what it described as “creeping dictatorship.” “Governor Bago must unseal Badeggi FM immediately, and an independent probe must be launched into the misuse of security operatives for political retaliation,” Abdullahi demanded.
The party also calls on the National Assembly to reinforce the autonomy of the NBC and insulate broadcast regulation from political interference.
“If this act is allowed to stand, it would set a precedent that will further imperil press freedom across the country,” Abdullahi warned. “Today it is Badeggi FM — tomorrow it could be a newspaper, a social media platform, or a journalist asking the ‘wrong questions’.”
“We call on all Nigerians to resist this creeping dictatorship. Governor Bago must unseal Badeggi FM immediately, and an independent probe must be launched into the misuse of security operatives for political retaliation.
“Furthermore, the National Assembly must take urgent steps to reinforce the autonomy of the NBC and insulate broadcast regulation from political interference.”
