The recent suspension of Legacy FM’s Acting General Manager, Godfrey Chikwere, is more than just a station’s internal disciplinary matter. It exposes a delicate fault line in Nigeria’s democracy — where media freedom, political power, and the ethics of journalism intersect in uncomfortable ways.
Legacy FM, a privately owned radio station in Ebonyi State, announced the suspension on grounds of “unruly behaviour” and “disobedience to the code of conduct.” Yet, it was clear from both the station’s announcement and government officials’ statements that the trigger was Chikwere’s persistent criticism of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration, both on air and on social media.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary was blunt in his defence — Legacy FM had received substantial government support: a vehicle, a transformer, and even road construction leading to its premises. His argument implied that such gestures should have bought the administration at least a measure of favourable coverage, or at the very least, silence.
But this is precisely where the danger lies. A private broadcaster that becomes dependent on political largesse risks losing the editorial independence that underpins its credibility. When financial or infrastructural lifelines come from the very political actors journalists are meant to hold accountable, criticism is rebranded as ingratitude, and dissent becomes an act of betrayal.
There is also a professional question. Did Chikwere, as a station manager, cross ethical boundaries by using his platform to advance personal opinions against the Governor? Or is this an example of a professional using his influence to demand better governance? In a healthy democracy, these questions would be weighed not by political pressure, but by clear, transparent, and apolitical standards of journalism.
Unfortunately, this incident reflects a growing trend in Nigeria where criticism of political leaders is quickly labelled “derogatory” or “inciting.” Such framing blurs the line between legitimate public scrutiny and harmful defamation, effectively chilling public discourse.
If Nigeria’s democracy is to deepen, both the media and government must recalibrate their relationship. Private broadcasters must seek sustainable business models that insulate them from political patronage, and government leaders must recognise that robust, even uncomfortable, criticism is a sign of healthy governance — not sabotage.
Otherwise, the airwaves risk becoming echo chambers, amplifying only what those in power want the public to hear. And when that happens, we all lose.
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