ZAMFARA GOVERNMENT APOLOGIES OVER SHUT-DOWN ORDER ON MEDIA HOUSES.
The Zamfara State Government has apologized and reversed the order to shut down five broadcast stations in the state.
The Chairman, State Committee on Prosecution of Banditry and Related offences, Abdullahi Shinkafi, who apologized to the Media during a press conference today, said that based on the controversies generated by the government’s decision and the power given to NBC, the Government cannot shut down any broadcasting organizations.
According to him, the five media houses, which are Nigerian Television Authority NTA, Pride FM, Gamji TV and FM, AI Umma TV, are free to operate but must abide by the Executive order of the Governor, pending the vacation of the order.
He noted that no democracy can thrive without the role of the media and appealed to media practitioners to assist the Government in the fight against insecurity bedeviling the State in particular and Nigeria in general.
It would be recalled that the Zamfara State Governor, Bello Malawalle had ordered the closure of some media houses in Gusau, the State Capital, for providing coverage for a political rally organized by the opposition People Democratic Party, PDP as well as suspension of political meetings and activities in the affected communities
Opara Joeiyke
