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A coalition of media and civil society organisations has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to apologise over comments perceived as threatening towards Channels Television presenter Seun Okinbaloye.
The groups criticised remarks by Wike during a media chat in Abuja, in which he reacted strongly to Okinbaloye’s comments about Nigeria’s political sector ahead of the 2027 elections.
The journalist had expressed concern that Nigeria is “doomed democratically” and risked drifting towards a one-party system, particularly in light of the crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Reacting to Okinbaloye, Wike had reportedly said, “In fact, I was surprised yesterday, totally surprised when watching Politics Today. Seun, if there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him. In fact, it will get to him.”
In a joint statement signed by 14 organisations, the coalition demanded that the minister retract his statement, issue a public apology, and reaffirm his commitment to press freedom and non-violence.
While noting that Wike later clarified he had no intention of harming the journalist, the groups argued that such language, even when framed hypothetically, amounts to a threat and should not be trivialised.
They warned that expressions suggesting violence can intimidate journalists and erode public confidence in democratic institutions.
“Even if meant humorously, such rhetoric can be perceived as intimidation by both the journalist and the audience,” the statement reads.
“We assert that conditional threats or violent statements against journalists contribute to a climate of fear, undermining the fundamental principles of a free and independent press, especially as journalists play a crucial role in informing the public and holding power to account.”
The organisations also stated the broader risks facing media practitioners in Nigeria, stressing that hostile rhetoric from public officials contributes to an already challenging environment for journalism.
“With a press freedom index ranking of 122 out of 180 countries, Nigeria remains one of West Africa’s most dangerous and challenging countries for journalists,” the statement said.
“Media professionals are routinely monitored, attacked, and arbitrarily arrested, particularly during electoral campaigns. Incidents like this can further imperil journalists and highlight the urgent need for balanced and responsible political engagement, especially from public officials.”
They urged political leaders and institutions to promote respectful engagement with the media, emphasising that safeguarding press freedom is essential to accountability and democratic governance.
The organisations include the International Press Institute (IPI), Nigeria International Press Centre (IPC), Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE), Centre for Journalism Innovation & Development (CJID), Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), and YIAGA Africa.
Others are the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), Global Rights, Dataphyte Foundation, Accountability Lab Nigeria, TechHer, Kebekatche Women Development Resource Centre, and DigiCivic Initiative.
