The Zamfara State Government’s directive to close some public and private media outlets in the state has prompted a response from the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria.
As previously mentioned, Bello Matawalle, the governor of Zamfara State, had on Saturday ordered the immediate closure of various media outlets in the state due to suspected violations of the state’s journalism regulations.
The directive was stated in a statement that Ibrahim Dosara, the Commissioner of Information, signed.
Read Also:Â Gunmen attack church in Kogi, kill two, injure others
For violating the state’s journalism regulations, the Zamfara State Security Council has authorized and ordered the shutdown of various media outlets.
Radio Nigeria, NTA Gusau, Pride FM Gusau, Gamji Television, Al Umma TV, and Vision FM are among the media outlets that are impacted.
According to accounts, the development followed media coverage of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gathering that was held in Gusau, the state’s capital.
In response, IPI Nigeria argued that the Zamfara State Government lacked the authority to shut down media outlets in a statement released on Sunday by its president, Musikilu Mojeed.
The Zamfara State Police Commissioner was urged by the IPI Nigeria to defy the state’s directive not to enforce the closure.
“The order by the state government manifestly breaches the 1999 Constitution as amended, and it has no place in a civilized society like ours,” the statement says in part.
“It makes Nigerians go back to the dark times when the military ruled Nigeria and numerous authoritarian regimes repressed media organizations.
“IPI Nigeria consequently reiterates its call for the immediate removal of any orders restricting free speech in Zamfara State and demands an apology from the state administration for its offensive act.
Read Also:Â How disguised ritualists, kidnappers hunt for passengers on Ogun-Lagos road
“IPI Nigeria further calls on federal authorities to direct the governor of Zamfara State to comply with the requirements of the rule of law by promptly rescinding the order to shut down media organizations, and going forward desist from any such act.”
