The Zamfara state government says it has ordered the closure of some broadcasting stations in the state due to an executive order that prohibited broadcasting stations from broadcasting political activities in the state.
The order, Executive Order No. 10, 2022, signed by the state’s governor, Bello Matawalle, went into effect on October 13.
The state has seen increasing attacks by terrorists commonly called bandits in the local media. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of residents and the displacement of thousands.
Federal, state and local highways have been taken over by terrorists, attacking, killing and kidnapping motorists.
He stated that measures were taken to allow security agencies to fully operate in the areas.
The order banned all political gatherings until the security situation improves. “Political gatherings and gatherings at individual residences are also prohibited effective immediately.
“Closure of Lambar Colony to Lambar Boko Road, Bakura to Lambar Damri Road, Mayanchi- Daki Takwas to Gummi Road, Daki Takwas to Zuru Road, Kucheri- Bawaganga – Wanke Road, Magami to Dangulbi Road, Gusau to Magami Road until the security. ”
The executive order also announced the closure of three local government areas and nine communities considered to be the most vulnerable.
“The total closure areas are Anka, Bukkuyum and Gummi, as well as the following cities and towns Yarkofoji, Birnin Tudu, Rini, Gora Namaye, Janbako, Faru, Kaya, Boko and Mada. All movements are henceforth restricted in the aforementioned local governments and towns.”
Three major markets were also closed. Affected weekly markets include Dan Jibga Market, Bagega Market and Munching Kalgo Market.
While it was announced that security agencies had been ordered to arrest anyone who disobeyed the order, mobile courts were also set up to “deal with violators of the order”.
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PREMIUM TIMES reported that the order was issued in a statement Friday by state Information Commissioner Ibrahim Dosara.
On Saturday, the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) organized a rally to welcome supporters who defected from the APC and had the program broadcast live on some broadcast stations.
Broadcast stations are regulated by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), while electoral and campaign activities are regulated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which has since given the green light for campaigns to begin.
Broadcast stations including the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Gusau, Federal Radio Corporation Pride FM Gusau, Al’umma TV, Gamji FM and Gamji TV were closed.