The Zamfara State Government has shut down the offices of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Pride FM, Gamji TV and Al’umma TV in the State.
The Explainer gathered that the shutdown of the stations was a response to the stations’ coverage of the political gathering organised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Dauda Lawal.
Credible online media reports stated that the event took place on Saturday at the residence of the PDP candidate in Gusau GRA-Ring Road.
The decision of the government was announced on the state radio on Saturday evening by the Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Dosara.
The government also directed the State Commissioner of Police, Yusuf Kolo, to arrest all journalists that attended the event. Although Mr Dosara did not reveal reasons for closing the stations, The Explainer learnt from informed sources said the reason might not be unconnected with the stations’ live coverage of the political gathering of Mr Lawal.
Recall that the state government on Friday announced a total lockdown in Anka, Bukkuyum and Gummi Local Government Areas, following the resurgence of bandit attacks on communities.
The government also ordered the immediate suspension of all APC meetings and activities as part of his government’s measures to prevent further attacks in communities.
In the statement suspending all gatherings in the affected areas, the APC informed that its members invited for the Friday’s parley to hold on for a new date for the meeting.
“Furthermore, the government has suspended all political activities in the state till further notice. Political meetings and gatherings at individual residences are also banned with immediate effect,” Mr Dosara said on Friday.
