NIGERIA. Zamfara State: The People’s Democratic Party held a political rally on Sunday in contravention of a state ban on political activity, and the northwest Nigerian state of Zamfara ordered five media sites to shut down after they reported on the event.
Following a prohibition on political gatherings, including those at private residences, issued by Governor Bello Muhammad, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, on October 13 because of the state’s security situation, the state was ordered to close. The campaigning for the February 2023 presidential elections, which got underway last month across the country, is prohibited.
Fighting against armed “bandits” who have killed hundreds, abducted thousands for ransom, blocked several highways, and rendered some farming difficult is a major issue in Zamfara state and most of northwest Nigeria.
The state security council issued a statement on Sunday that read, “Zamfara State Commissioner of Police has been directed to enforce full compliance and arrest of any staff of these media organizations… performing any duties in violation of the shutdown.”
Alumma TV Gusau, Amji TV Gusau, Gamji TV Gusau, NTA Gusau, and Pride FM Radio Gusau were the five media outlets included in the statement. Although the injunction did not mention why they had been directed to “shut down,” Ibrahim Magaji Dosara, the state’s information commissioner, told the media officials that it was because they had reported on PDP events that had taken place in defiance of the state government’s directive.
Along with other measures, including limiting travel in certain local areas and closing certain roads, Zamfara’s prohibition on political activity was implemented.
Also Read: Zamfara Government Directs Residents to Obtain Firearms
