Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the Governor of Zamfara State, Ambassador Bello Matawalle, over his order to shut down of three television stations and one radio station following their coverage of a rally organized by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state over the weekend.
News Band reported that Ambassador Matawalle gave the order through the state Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Dosara, during the weekend.
In a radio broadcast, Mr. Dosara said the Zamfara State Government shut down the media houses for allegedly violating professional ethics.
The affected media stations are the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Gamji TV, Al-Umma TV and Pride FM radio, all in Gusau, the state capital.
Reacting in a statement via its Twitter handle, @AmnestyNigeria, Amnesty International Nigeria said that the action is tantamount to “clampdown on the media and attack on journalists”.
It further noted that the governor’s order is an assault on freedom of expression and of the press.
The international human rights watch dog, therefore, demanded an apology from the governor, as the media and journalists in the state must work without fear or intimidation directly or indirectly.
The statement reads:
“Amnesty International strongly condemns the clampdown on the media and attack on journalists ordered by the Governor of Zamfara State Bello Matawalle.
“The governor’s infamous order is an assault on freedom of expression and of the press.
“The governor must apologize and allow the media and journalists in Zamfara state to work without fear or intimidation directly or indirectly.
“What happened in Zamfara state is unprecedented, unacceptable and must not happen again.
“The media and journalists seek accountability on behalf of the people and should not be threatened or abused for just carrying out their duties.
“Radio Nigeria’s Pride FM in Gusau, NTA Gusau, Gamji Television, Vision FM and Al Umma Television must be immediately reopened and allowed to carry out their activities of informing and educating people to make informed decisions on issues affecting their lives. Read more.