The Zamfara government has apologised for shutting down five broadcast stations in the state.
The government ordered the closure of some media houses in Gusau, the state capital, for allegedly providing coverage for a political rally organised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The affected media stations are the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN)’s Pride FM, Gamji TV, and FM, Al umma TV.
The development came after Bello Matawalle, the governor, announced a total lockdown in Anka, Bukkuyum and Gummi LGAs of the state following the resurgence of bandit attacks.
Abdullahi Shinkafi, chairman of the state committee on prosecution of banditry and related offences, apologised to the media during a press conference on Monday.
Shinkafi claimed that the media outlets violated the order by covering the “illegal political activity” of the PDP governorship candidate, Dauda Lawal-Dare, in Gusau on Saturday.
He said the “illegal political gathering” led to a security breach by some youths of the two political parties, saying, “The police had confirmed that one man was shot dead and 18 others injured during the event.”
Shinkafi noted that the government’s action attracted reactions and criticisms from various organisations and agencies.
He said the government has since withdrawn the order given to the commissioner of police to arrest and prosecute personnel seen around the affected media organisations.
He said the government has also withdrawn the security forces deployed to the media houses to allow the personnel to resume their work.
He urged the media organisations and all journalists to respect the state laws and support the government in its effort to tackle banditry and kidnapping.
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), on Monday, described the closure of the stations as “unlawful” and “unconstitutional”.
Mustapha Isah and Iyobosa Uwugiaren, president and general secretary of NGE, respectively, said no state government has the right to shut any media house.
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