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Press Freedom Under Fire! SERAP Confronts Niger Governor Over Badeggi FM Ban

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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has strongly urged Governor Umar Bago of Niger State to immediately reverse what it described as an “unjust and illegal” decision to revoke the broadcast licence of Badeggi FM Radio.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In an open letter dated August 2, 2025, and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation called on the governor to restore the radio station’s licence, withdraw threats to demolish its facilities, and halt all forms of intimidation against the station’s owner, Shuaibu Badeggi, and its staff.

SERAP also demanded that Governor Bago stop using the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and security agencies to target independent media. The organisation reminded the governor of his constitutional duty to safeguard freedom of expression and press freedom.

The controversy erupted after Governor Bago reportedly ordered the closure of Badeggi FM 90.1 last Friday, directing the police and the Commissioner for Homeland Security to seal the station, revoke its licence, and mark its premises for demolition—moves allegedly linked to his dissatisfaction with the station’s content.

SERAP criticized the governor’s justification—claims of “inciting violence”—as vague, baseless, and lacking evidence. The group condemned the move as a violation of both Section 39 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Nigeria is a party.

“The arbitrary revocation of Badeggi FM’s licence, threats to demolish its premises, and profiling of its owner undermine democratic freedoms and are incompatible with Nigeria’s legal obligations,” the letter stated.

The organisation warned that such actions could have a chilling effect on press freedom, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections, and demanded immediate corrective measures within 48 hours or face legal action.

“These actions violate the rights of journalists and the public to access information. Even if the station’s content is critical, it is still protected speech under national and international law,” SERAP emphasized.

The letter added that any restrictions on media freedom must be lawful, necessary, and aimed at protecting a clearly defined public interest—criteria the governor’s actions fail to meet.

SERAP also cited growing concerns about a pattern of repression and censorship by the Niger State government, stating that freedom of the press is not a privilege but a democratic necessity.

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‘Kwankwaso Is More Experienced Than Peter Obi’ – Buhari’s Ex-Aide Declares.

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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.

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‘I Have Stopped Impregnating Women’ – 2Baba Makes Shocking Revelation.

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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.

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NPFL Cracks Down! Abia Warriors, Katsina United, Warri Wolves Hit With Sanctions.

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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.

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