The Nigerian Union of Journalists and the National Broadcasting Commission have kicked against the closure of four media houses in Zamfara state by the governor of the State, Muhammad Matawelle.
The governor had on Saturday directed the closure of Radio Nigeria, Pride FM, Gamji FM and NTA Gusau, accusing the media houses of covering political activities of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) against his directive that no political activity must take place due to porous security in the state.
However, the NUJ in a statement, called on the governor to forthwith rescind its decision to shut down the media houses, adding that the professional responsibilities of the mass media is enshrined in the Nigerian constitution, and therefore cannot be curtailed.
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“In chapter 2 section 22, which states that “The press, Radio, Television and other agencies of mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in the chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people”
“For a state government to arbitrarily override a section of the Nigerian constitution and the National Broadcasting Commission code in a democracy like ours, which recognizes the role of the mass media, and the freedom of expression for its citizens speaks volumes of the level of impunity the country has descended into.
Similarly, the National Broadcasting Commission in a statement signed by its Director General, Balarabe Shehu Ilelah condemned the decision by the Zamfara state governor.
“The NBC has clearly notified the State Government of the gravity of the illegality and requested it to expeditiously reverse the directive and apologize to the people of the state.
“We also urge the security agencies to ignore the call to restrict staff of the affected stations from conducting their legitimate duties.
“The commission wishes to further emphasize that it will resist any attempt to cause a breach of law and order anywhere through the misuse of the broadcast media in Nigeria, before, during and after the 2023 national elections.