Broadcasters demand Wike apologise to Channels TV journalist, warn of briefing boycott

THE Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has called on Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, to publicly apologise to a reporter with Channels Television, Mr Seun Okinbaloye, following remarks the minister made during a televised interview.

IBAN, which represents independent broadcast stations across Nigeria, also threatened to boycott any future media events organised by Wike if he fails to retract his statement.

In a statement signed by IBAN Chairman, Mr Ahmed Ramalan, and Acting General Secretary, Mr Fidelis Duker, the association expressed concern over the impact of Wike’s comment, which aired during a live broadcast.

During a routine media interaction on Friday, Wike remarked that he was frustrated by Okinbaloye’s perspective on Nigeria’s democratic progress, expressed while watching Politics Today. “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” the minister said. He later clarified to attending journalists that his words were not meant as a literal threat.

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On Saturday, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications to Wike, Mr Lere Olayinka, described the minister’s statement as ‘hyperbolic’ and claimed it was taken out of context by propagandists.

Expressions of violence seen as threat to press freedom

IBAN’s statement noted that even though Wike clarified he intended no physical harm, such language is inappropriate for a public official. The association said comments implying violence can intimidate journalists and contribute to a hostile working environment.

Highlighting the precarious state of press freedom in Nigeria, IBAN pointed out that the country ranks 122 out of 180 nations on the press freedom index. Journalists in Nigeria continue to face surveillance, attacks, and arbitrary arrests.

Call for Retraction

The association urged Wike to retract his statement and publicly apologise to Okinbaloye and the wider media community. It also called on the minister to reaffirm his support for press freedom as guaranteed under Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution.

IBAN warned that failure to comply could lead to a suspension of coverage by independent broadcasters. “Should the minister fail to meet these requests within a reasonable period, IBAN will have no choice but to advise all independent broadcast stations to suspend coverage of all press briefings, media chats, and official news conferences hosted by the FCT minister,” the statement read.

The association said the potential boycott is aimed at protecting journalists and discouraging violent rhetoric against media practitioners, while also keeping channels open for constructive engagement with public officials.

“We hope the minister will take the necessary corrective action so that normal coverage can continue without interruption,” IBAN concluded.

NUJ lends voice

Also, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed shock and outrage at the ‘reckless and violent’ statement made by Wike, noting that his statement 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.

The union said it had deliberately delayed issuing a statement on the matter, thinking that Wike would, upon reflection, demonstrate immediate remorse and promptly withdraw his dangerous comment.

“This calculated silence deepens our concern and reinforces the perception that the threat was intentional,” the NUJ said in a statement signed by its National President, Mr Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi.

The union said the incendiary comment from a high-ranking government official is not only deeply disturbing but also 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, which is entirely antithetical to the spirit of a free and open society.”

The NUJ said it unequivocally demands an immediate and unreserved apology from Wike for his ‘reprehensible’ remarks.

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“Furthermore, 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.”

“We urge all media organizations, civil society groups, and advocates for democracy to stand in solidarity against this blatant attack on press freedom.

“The safety and security of journalists are paramount to a healthy democracy, and any attempt to stifle their voices must be met with a unified and resolute response,” the statement added.

Okinbaloye says not afraid

Meanwhile, Okinbaloye has said that he is not afraid and that he will never be intimidated regarding the comments from Wike against him.

Reacting on Sunday while anchoring Channels TV’s Sunday Politics, Mr Okinbaloye stressed that he would not be scared or intimidated by the minister’s threat.

“Let me be clear, I’m not afraid, and I will never be intimidated. Journalism grounded in ethics and global best practices remains a duty to the public, not a concession to power,” he said, as reported by Premium Times.

He said he has received assurances of safety from the State Security Service (SSS) and that his organisation, Channels TV, has also intervened in the matter.

He added that Mr Wike has also contacted him to clarify that he meant no harm.

“While that is noted, it is important to emphasise that violent rhetoric or suggesting threats are never appropriate responses in a decent democratic society. We may disagree and as humans, we may err, but we must never descend into hostility or harm,” he stated, noting that Nigeria’s democracy is in danger “if we allow one-way traffic in balloting.”

He added, “This is not a warning to the opposition or the ruling party, but to all Nigerians who believe in the development of our nation.”