A coalition of press freedom groups and civil society organisations has criticised recent comments made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike against Channels Television presenter Seun Okinbaloye.
During a media chat in Abuja on Friday, Wike reacted angrily to Okinbaloye’s comments about fears that Nigeria could drift toward a one-party system.
The journalist had earlier said it was troubling that the 2027 election conversation was beginning to look dominated by a single party, especially because of the crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Okinbaloye warned that Nigeria’s democracy would be in danger if the ADC, which many see as a major opposition platform, is unable to participate in the 2027 elections.
Responding to that remark, Wike said he was shocked by the journalist’s position, stressing that if it were possible to break through the television screen, he would have shot him.
“I was surprised yesterday, thoroughly surprised. If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” Wike had said.
The comment quickly sparked public concern and criticism.
In a joint statement signed by 14 organisations, the network called on the FCT minister to withdraw the remark, apologise to Okinbaloye and the wider media community, and openly restate his support for non-violence and press freedom as a public official.
The groups noted that although Wike later explained that he did not mean to physically harm the journalist, “even such hypothetical expressions of violent intent constitute a conditional threat and cannot be dismissed as harmless”.
“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 coalition warned that statements like Wike’s could further expose media professionals to danger and stressed the need for public officials to communicate more responsibly.
“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.”
The coalition also by urgged leaders, institutions, and political figures to reject hostile language against the press and instead encourage respectful engagement, even when there are strong political disagreements.
KanyiDaily recalls that Nyesom Wike recently criticised Oyo state governor Seyi Makinde over the ongoing crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
