Radio station lifts suspension on GM who criticised Ebonyi governor

Legacy FM, a privately-owned radio station in Ebonyi state, has lifted the suspension on Godfrey Chikwere, its acting general manager.

According to Channels Television, the management said on Monday evening that Chikwere has been directed to resume work with immediate effect from August 12, 2025.

The station recently suspended Chikwere following his persistent criticism of Francis Nwifuru, the Ebonyi state governor.

Legacy FM said the general manager exhibited unruly behaviour and flouted its code of conduct.

“The management of Legacy FM 95.1, The Sound of Now, hereby suspends the acting General Manager, Godfrey Chikwere, with immediate effect, till further notice,” the station had said.

“This is due to unruly behaviour and disobedience to the code of conduct guiding the Legacy FM.

“With such effect, he is hereby directed to hand over all the company property in his position to the next senior officer.”

On Monday, Ayo Makinde, chairman of the Lagos chapter of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB), expressed concern over the rise in “attacks and interference against broadcasters” nationwide.

He warned that the actions hinder public trust, citizen participation in governance, and national development, and described the trend as a “dangerous threat to constitutional freedoms”.

Makinde cited recent incidents, including Niger state governor Umar Bago’s directive to shut down Badeggi FM 90.1 and the suspension of Chikwere by Legacy FM.