Governor Bello Matawalle
By Our Reporter
The International Press Centre (IPC) has condemned in strongest terms, the Zamfara State government’s closure of media houses in the state.
The IPC described it as another attempt by the government to suppress and trample on the freedom of the press in Nigeria.
During the weekend, the state information commissioner, Ibrahim Dosara, announced the closure of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Gamji TV, Al-Umma TV and Pride FM radio in Gusau, the state capital for allegedly violating professional ethics.
The commissioner said, “The state government has suspended all political activities in the state due to security challenges but the PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) ignored the order and held a rally in Gusau, the state capital, where one person was killed and 18 others were injured.
“The four media houses, NTA, Gamji TV, Al-Umma TV, and Pride FM radio, were also at the event to cover the occasion even though they were aware of the ban on political rallies by the state government.
“Given this, the four media houses are hereby closed down with immediate effect.
“The government has directed security agents to arrest any staff member of the affected stations who try to go into the stations to perform any duty.”
Reacting to the government’s action, the IPC in a statement by its Program Officer/Safety Desk Officer IPC, Melody Lawal, said that directing the police to arrest journalists for attending an event is worrisome and a violation of their fundamental right and the citizens’ right to be informed.
The Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, advised the state government to rather take its case to the media regulatory bodies, vested with the power to sanction or withdraw the licenses of media outlets when necessary.
According to Arogundade, the closure of media outlets is another attempt to stifle press freedom in the country. He warned that the government should subject itself to the rule of law and not be the accuser and judge in its case.
He said, “This closure is an attempt by the Zamfara state government to suppress freedom of the press in the state. Directing the Police to further arrest pressmen for attending an event is worrisome and a violation of citizens’ right to be informed.”
Arogundade advised the state government “to take its case to the media regulatory bodies, vested with the power to sanction or withdraw licenses of media outlets who may be found guilty of breaking the laws of journalism”.
“It is not within the powers of the Governor or his agents, under whatever guise, to carry out such duties, as shutting down or sealing off media houses. This should be condemned by all,” it said.
The statement further noted, “The IPC, therefore, requests the Federal Government of Nigeria and President Buhari to call Governor Bello Matawalle to order as he has acted beyond his executive powers.
“The International Press Centre (IPC), is worried by the recent closure of some media outlets by the Zamfara state government, describing the action as unacceptable and a violation of the rule of law.
“IPC equally calls on the Inspector General of Police to provide the necessary protection to all journalists and media outlets within Zamfara state and its environs as envisaged under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“There should be no disturbances or threats to the electoral processes as all Nigerians look forward to a smooth election in 2023.”
