Latest News
Badeggi FM Shutdown Sparks Outrage as SERAP Issues Deadline to Niger Governor
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Niger State Governor Umar Bago to reverse what it called the “arbitrary and unlawful” shutdown of Badeggi FM 90.1, an independent radio station in Minna, the state capital.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In an open letter dated August 2 and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation demanded that the governor reinstate the station’s broadcasting licence, withdraw demolition threats against its premises, and cease the alleged profiling of the station’s owner, Shuaibu Badeggi.
“The vague, baseless allegations of ‘inciting violence’ appear to be aimed at silencing Badeggi FM and its proprietor,” SERAP stated.
Last Friday, Governor Bago reportedly ordered the Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner for Homeland Security to seal the station, revoke its operating licence, and demolish its building. He also allegedly instructed security officials to profile the station’s owner over claims that the broadcasts were unethical and incited public unrest.
SERAP warned that such actions represent a grave threat to press freedom, particularly in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. The group argued that gagging the media undermines the public’s right to be informed and restricts meaningful democratic participation.
“The clampdown on Badeggi FM and its personnel discourages media engagement in matters of legitimate public concern and erodes democratic discourse,” SERAP said. “Your administration’s actions violate not only the 1999 Constitution but also international human rights obligations, including Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”
The organisation further condemned the reported intimidation of station staff and reiterated their right to liberty and personal security.
“Your aggressive measures against Badeggi FM, its owner, and employees represent a serious infringement on democratic development and free expression,” it added. “Media houses in Niger State must operate without fear of reprisal when reporting on issues of public interest.”
SERAP also accused Governor Bago of weaponising regulatory agencies and law enforcement to suppress dissent. “The move to shut down the station, revoke its licence, and demolish its premises is an assault on the public’s right to seek and share information freely,” the letter continued.
The group warned that failure to comply within the 48-hour window would result in legal action.
“If we do not receive a response within 48 hours of the receipt or publication of this letter, SERAP will pursue all appropriate legal avenues to compel your compliance in the public interest,” it said.
In closing, the organisation emphasised the indispensable role of a free press in any democracy.
“The Constitution and human rights treaties protect the press not only for the benefit of journalists but to ensure that the public can access information vital to democratic governance,” SERAP concluded.
Latest News
‘Kwankwaso Is More Experienced Than Peter Obi’ – Buhari’s Ex-Aide Declares.
Ahmad made the assertion in a post on his X handle, maintaining that Kwankwaso’s decision to accept the position of running mate should be seen as an act of political modesty rather than an indication that he is less qualified than Obi.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to the former presidential aide, the relationship between the two politicians should be viewed as one of equals rather than that of a superior and a subordinate.
“To be entirely candid, the political dynamic between Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi ought to be characterised as one of collegiality between peers, rather than a hierarchy of principal and subordinate,” he wrote.
He added, “The choice to assume a deputy role beneath Obi ought to be interpreted as a testament to political modesty.”
Making a case for Kwankwaso’s political experience, Ahmad recalled that the former Kano State governor served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives before Obi became a prominent figure in national politics.
He also noted that Kwankwaso governed Kano State, which he described as Nigeria’s most populous and politically influential state, for two terms and served as a federal minister.
“If we are assessing political experience, Sen. Kwankwaso probably has a longer and more impressive political background than Peter Obi,” Ahmad stated.
In contrast, the former presidential aide argued that Obi’s major public office experience was limited to his tenure as governor of Anambra State.
“Unlike other candidates, Peter Obi was just a former governor of Anambra State,” he wrote.
Latest News
‘I Have Stopped Impregnating Women’ – 2Baba Makes Shocking Revelation.
Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has declared that he no longer impregnates women.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The singer made the statement on Saturday during a live performance at Rehab Lounge in Calgary, Canada.
While performing his hit song True Love, 2Baba paused to interact with the audience and playfully asked the women present to identify where his true love was.
He jokingly wondered whether she was standing at the back of the venue or somewhere in front of him before making a remark about his experiences with women.
The award-winning musician told the audience that he had stopped getting women pregnant, adding that he had been making the same confession wherever he performed recently.
He said, “For the purpose of this show, I will pretend like I’ve never seen anything before. Where’s my true love? Is she back there? Is she right here? Is she somewhere here? Where’s my true love? You people shouldn’t put out me for trouble.
“As I said, some ladies they fear to shout. See, everywhere I go these days, I make this confession. As I say, some ladies they fear to shout. I say, I don’t fear to shout. Because I don’t stop to dey give woman belle. Ask anyone, they’ll tell you, I don’t do such thing things again.”
The singer’s comment comes amid public interest in his personal life and relationships.
2Baba was previously married to Nollywood actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia. The couple announced their separation in January 2025 after having two children together.
Latest News
NPFL Cracks Down! Abia Warriors, Katsina United, Warri Wolves Hit With Sanctions.
Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.
The Umuahia-based club was also found guilty of an attempt by one of its officials to disrupt the live broadcast of the match by harassing a crew member of the league’s broadcast partner.
As part of the disciplinary measures, Abia Warriors’ multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe, has been suspended from all NPFL match activities for five matches.
Katsina United, meanwhile, were fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security during their home fixture against Plateau United.
The club was also sanctioned for allowing supporters to encroach onto the field of play during the encounter.
Warri Wolves Receive Heaviest Punishment
Warri Wolves have been handed the most severe sanctions following the unruly behaviour of their supporters during Sunday’s Matchday 10 clash against Kano Pillars in Ozoro.
The Seasiders were fined ₦4.2 million and docked three points and three goals from their accumulated tally. The club was also ordered to play its next three home matches behind closed doors.
According to the NPFL, Warri Wolves failed to provide adequate security at the stadium, resulting in an assault on match officials after the final whistle.
The league further disclosed that the second assistant referee sustained a nose injury and was left bleeding during the incident.
The NPFL stated that all three clubs have 48 hours from the date of notification to appeal their respective sanctions in accordance with the league’s disciplinary procedures.
-
latest1 year ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest3 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment3 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest3 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics3 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest3 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
Politics3 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges
-
latest3 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp
