The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has condemned the order by the Zamfara State government for the closure of some media organisations operating in the state, describing the action as reprehensible and unacceptable.
The state governor, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, on Saturday ordered the immediate shutdown of some public and private media organisations for allegedly breaking “journalism laws”.
The affected media houses included the federal government owned Radio Nigeria’s Pride FM in Gusau, and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Gusau. Others are Gamji Television, Vision FM, and Al Umma Television.
Zamfara State has been the hotbed of banditry, kidnappings and other criminalities. The state government recently suspended political activities as part of new security measures.
A statement signed by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Dosara said the Zamfara State Security Council “approved and ordered the closure of some media outlets in the state for breaking the laws of journalism”.
However, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara, went ahead Saturday to hold an event in Gusau, the state capital, which was covered by the media organisations.
The coverage of the event by the affected media organisations is what triggered the unwarranted action by the Zamfara government.
IPI Nigeria, in a statement by its President, Musikilu Mojeed, noted that the Zamfara State government does not have the power to shut down media houses, and calls on the Zamfara State Police Commissioner not to enforce the illegal directive by the government.
Credit: premiumtimesng.com
