Former Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Zamfara State government has apologised for closing five broadcast stations in the state.
Recall that the government had ordered the closure of the media houses in Gusau, the state capital, for covering a political rally organised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The order affected media outfits such as the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN)’s Pride FM, Gamji TV, amongst others.
The development came after Governor Bello Matawalle announced a total lockdown in Anka, Bukkuyum and Gummi LGAs of the state following resurgent bandit attacks.
The Zamfara government quickly came under fire from free press advocates who called for an immediate reversal of the closure order.
On Monday, Chairman of the State Committee on Prosecution of Banditry and Related Offences, Abdullahi Shinkafi, apologised to the media during a press conference.
Shinkafi said the government was angered by the alleged violation of the executive order suspending political meetings and activities in the affected communities.
The government official stressed that 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.”
Shinkafi disclosed that the government has since withdrawn the order given to the Commissioner of Police to arrest and prosecute personnel seen around the affected media organisations.
He said the government has also withdrawn the security forces deployed to the media houses to allow the personnel to resume their work.
Shinkafi finally urged the media organisations and all journalists to respect the state laws and support the government in its effort to tackle banditry and kidnapping.
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