The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed outrage over a controversial remark made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, directed at Seun Okinbaloye, a Channels Television anchor. The union described the comment as a serious threat to press freedom and called for immediate action and an apology.
The controversy erupted after Wike, during a public exchange, reportedly said: “If there’s any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.” The statement, widely circulated on social media, has drawn condemnation from journalists and civil society groups.
In a statement issued on Monday, NUJ National President Alhassan Yahya said the union was “profoundly shocked and outraged” by the minister’s comment. He described it as “reckless and violent” and said it “constitutes a direct and unacceptable attempt to intimidate and silence the press, thereby gravely undermining press freedom and the foundational principles of democracy in Nigeria.”
Yahya explained that the NUJ initially delayed responding, hoping that Wike would retract the statement and issue an apology. “The union deliberately delayed issuing this statement, holding a sincere belief that Barrister Wike would, upon reflection, demonstrate immediate remorse and promptly withdraw his dangerous comment,” he said.
However, the absence of a retraction or apology led the union to speak out. Yahya said the lack of response suggested that the statement was “not a momentary lapse but rather a deliberate and intentional act designed to intimidate.”
The NUJ warned that such comments from a senior government official could create fear among journalists and discourage critical reporting. “This incendiary comment… creates a climate of fear for journalists striving to uphold their professional duties. It sends a dangerous message that critical reporting will be met with hostility and threats of violence,” Yahya added.
The union has demanded “an immediate and unreserved apology” from Wike and urged the Federal Government to take a clear stance. “We call upon the Federal Government to swiftly and unequivocally condemn this threat, demonstrating its commitment to protecting journalists and safeguarding the independence of the media,” Yahya said.
The NUJ also appealed to media organisations and civil society groups to stand united in defending press freedom, stressing that “the safety and security of journalists are paramount to a healthy democracy.”
Press freedom in Nigeria has faced several challenges over the years. While the country’s constitution guarantees freedom of expression and the press, journalists have often faced harassment, intimidation, and attacks, particularly when reporting on political figures or sensitive issues.
The NUJ, as the foremost journalists’ union in Nigeria, frequently intervenes to protect journalists from threats and undue interference. The union has in the past condemned attacks on media houses, arrests of reporters, and attempts to intimidate journalists into self-censorship.
Seun Okinbaloye, the journalist at the centre of the controversy, is a well-known anchor at Channels Television, one of Nigeria’s leading news networks. His work involves moderating discussions and interviewing public officials, a role that requires maintaining neutrality and professionalism.
Meanwhile, Wike’s office has sought to downplay the controversy, describing the remark as hyperbolic. Lere Olayinka, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, said the minister never intended to physically harm the journalist. “The minister never meant that he would shoot Seun Okinbaloye. They have since spoken on the phone, and the journalist understood what was meant,” Olayinka said.
Olayinka explained that Wike’s frustration stemmed from what he perceived as the anchor’s departure from professional neutrality during the interview. “What the minister meant was that he was angry seeing a journalist he holds in high esteem descend into the political arena by expressing a personal opinion instead of maintaining the detachment expected of an interviewer,” he added.
He further described the statement as an exaggeration intended to highlight displeasure rather than a literal threat. According to Olayinka, Wike clarified during the programme that he had no intention of causing physical harm. He accused critics of deliberately misinterpreting the comment for political reasons, calling the backlash a “hatchet job.”
The comment has also attracted attention from media and civil society organisations across Nigeria. Advocates for press freedom argue that even if the remark was intended as hyperbole, it sets a dangerous precedent when senior government officials make statements that could be interpreted as threats.
“Words matter, especially from public officials,” said a media rights advocate who spoke on condition of anonymity. “When a minister says he would shoot a journalist—even in jest—it can intimidate reporters and create a culture of self-censorship, undermining the public’s right to information.”
Several journalist groups have called for stricter enforcement of protections for media practitioners, arguing that freedom of the press is essential for holding public officials accountable and ensuring transparency in governance.
Nigeria has a history of tension between the press and political leaders. In the past, journalists covering elections, protests, or government policies have faced threats, arrests, and intimidation. Instances like Wike’s remark are often seen as a reminder of the delicate balance between press freedom and political authority.
The NUJ’s response follows a pattern of active engagement whenever journalists’ safety and independence are perceived to be at risk. The union has consistently urged the government to respect media freedom and ensure that reporters can perform their duties without fear of reprisal.
As of now, the NUJ has maintained its position, demanding accountability and action. The union’s call for government intervention reflects broader concerns about the protection of journalists and the role of the media in a democratic society.