The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed shock over a statement credited to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, directed at Channels Television anchor Seun Okinbaloye.
In a statement signed by NUJ National President Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi on Sunday, the union described the minister’s remark as reckless and dangerous.
“If there’s anyway to break the screen, I would have shot him,” Wike said, comments the NUJ called a direct attempt to intimidate and silence the press.
The union said it initially withheld reaction, hoping the minister would retract the statement, but its absence of apology now suggests deliberate intent.
“This undermines press freedom and the principles of democracy,” the statement added, warning the remarks create fear for journalists performing their duties.
The NUJ demanded an immediate and unreserved apology from Wike and urged the Federal Government to protect journalists while upholding media independence.
Okinbaloye Stands Firm Amid Rising Support
Channels Television anchor Seun Okinbaloye himself has vowed not to be intimidated following Wike’s remarks, expressing gratitude for the support from civil society organisations, viewers, and local and international bodies.
In his Sunday Politics of Sunday, April 05, Okinbaloye said, “I sincerely want to thank civil society organisations, our viewers, for your love and your comments and your solidarity… Your support is deeply appreciated.”
Hw warned that silencing dissenting voices threatens democratic values.
“Our democracy is in danger if we allow one-way traffic in balloting,” he added.
He clarified that his comments were a broader call to Nigerians, not aimed at any specific party.
“This is not a warning to the opposition or the ruling party, but to all Nigerians who believe in the development of our nation,” he said.
The journalist confirmed he received assurances regarding his safety from the Department of State Services and that the minister personally reached out.
“I also received a call from the Honourable Minister who clarified that the intention was not as conveyed,” Okinbaloye said.
He stressed that inflammatory rhetoric is never appropriate in a democracy, especially during election periods.
“Violent rhetoric or suggestive threats are never appropriate responses to dissent in a democratic society,” he said.
Civil Society, Amnesty Speak Out
Amnesty International Nigeria condemned Wike’s remark as reckless, violent, and dangerous, warning that it could normalise attacks on journalists.
“Such statements carry the danger of normalising violence and encouraging the targeting of journalists for just doing their job,” Amnesty said.
LEADERSHIP reports that the controversy followed Wike’s criticism of Okinbaloye’s comments on ADC’s leadership crisis and its implications for opposition politics ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wike later clarified that his statement was not a threat, with aide Lere Olayinka describing it as “in a hyperbolic context… without intent,” claiming the minister reacted to perceived political commentary rather than neutral moderation.
Despite clarifications, the NUJ and journalists’ groups insist that public officials must avoid language that could endanger press freedom.
“Let me be clear, I’m not afraid, and I will never be intimidated,” Okinbaloye said, affirming his commitment to ethical journalism and public accountability.
“I will continue to do what I love, asking the necessary questions, holding power to account… If that commitment comes at a cost, so be it,” he added.
Okinbaloye enjoys a warm relationship with Wike on screen, so that Wike’s threat came as a surprise. Many wondered if Wike was serious about the threat, or merely trying to create the impressions of an emotional distance between himself and the anchorman.
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