Media Freedom News South Africa

Nigerian regulator says media outlet closure in Zamfara state is illegal

Nigeria's Zamfara state's order to close five media outlets on Sunday over coverage of political rally was illegal and should be overturned, the media regulator said on Monday, months before a presidential election in February.

The northwestern Nigerian state closed the broadcasters after they covered a political rally for the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP), which took place in violation of a state ban on political activities.

"The NBC has clearly notified the state government of the gravity of the illegality and requested it to expeditiously reverse the directive," the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), which licenses broadcasters, said.

Zamfara's order to close came after Governor Bello Muhammad, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, banned political activities, including meetings at individuals' homes, on October 13 due to the security situation in the state.

Source: Reuters

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