Matawalle succumbs, apologizes for shutting down NTA, four others

Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara state has withdrawn orders shutting down for broadcast stations in Zamfara state for providing coverage for a political rally organised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).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.

Speaking on the issue, 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 said the government was angered by the alleged violation of the executive order.

He said the “illegal political gathering” led to a security breach, adding that “the police has confirmed that one man was shot dead and 18 others injured during the event”.

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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He said the government has since withdrawn the order given to the commissioner of police to arrest and prosecute personnel seen around the affected media organisations.

He said the government has also withdrawn the security forces deployed to the media houses to allow the personnel to resume their work.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.