Five media outlets were shut down on Sunday by Zamfara state in northwest Nigeria for covering a political rally for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in defiance of the state’s ban on political activities.
Due to the state’s security situation, the All Progressives Congress on October 13 outlawed all political activity, including rallies at private residences.
The campaigning for the February 2023 presidential election, which got under way across the nation last month, is prohibited.
Similar to much of northwestern Nigeria, Zamfara State is engaged in a conflict with armed “bandit” gangs who have killed hundreds, kidnapped thousands of others for ransom, and blocked numerous roadways.
The order came after Governor Bela Muhammad, a member of the ruling
“The Zamfara State Police Commissionerate has been ordered to ensure full compliance and arrest any person of these media organizations … performing any duties in violation of the closure,” the State Security Council said in a statement issued on Sunday.
Pride FM Radio Gusau, NTA Gusau, Amji TV Gusau, Gamji TV Gusau, and Alumma TV Gusau are the five networks included in the claim.
Along with the ban on political activity, other measures were implemented in Zamfara, including as limitations on mobility in specific areas and the closing of several routes.
Security personnel were instructed to “deal brutally” with anyone who disobeyed the directives, according to the statement.
