By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
The Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have jointly called on President Bola Tinubu to order a full investigation into an alleged threat against Channels Television presenter Seun Okinbaloye by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a statement issued on Monday, the two organisations condemned the minister’s remarks and urged the federal government to conduct a “prompt, thorough, transparent, and effective” inquiry into the incident. They also demanded that authorities take immediate steps to guarantee the safety of Okinbaloye and all journalists facing similar intimidation. The joint statement was signed by NGE President Eze Anaba, NGE General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh, and SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare.
The controversy stems from a media chat in Abuja last Friday, during which Wike reacted to Okinbaloye’s analysis on the programme Politics Today. The presenter had raised concerns about the 2027 elections, suggesting a political drift toward one-party dominance and referencing internal issues within the African Democratic Congress. “I was surprised yesterday—totally surprised—when I was watching Politics Today. Seun, if there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” Wike said.
The NGE and SERAP warned that the incident reflects a deepening crisis for press freedom in Nigeria, with journalists increasingly facing harassment, intimidation, and physical danger. “We are seriously concerned that press freedom is in a ‘downward spiral,’ with rising intimidation and attacks on journalists across the country,” the statement read. “Public figures, including politicians, are subject to a higher degree of scrutiny and criticism. The threat against Mr. Okinbaloye illustrates the escalating dangers to media freedom in Nigeria.”
The groups stressed that journalists do not forfeit their constitutional rights. “Like every individual, Okinbaloye is entitled to freedom of expression—including the right to seek, receive, and impart information of public interest. His role as a journalist does not diminish or deprive him of this right.”
While acknowledging that Wike later sought to clarify his remarks, the organisations maintained that such threats should never have been made in the first place. “The objective of those who threaten journalists remains the same: to chill public-interest reporting by increasing the risks they face. This undermines press freedom and democratic accountability. It must stop.”
The NGE and SERAP also decried what they called a “culture of impunity” surrounding attacks on journalists in Nigeria. They noted that the government’s consistent failure to investigate and prosecute such cases has emboldened those who seek to silence the media. Citing data from Reporters Without Borders, the groups pointed out that Nigeria fell ten places to 122nd position in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index. Additionally, at least fifty-six journalists were reportedly assaulted or arrested in August 2024 alone while covering protests.
They also warned against the rising use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs)—libel or criminal defamation cases filed by politicians and security agencies to intimidate journalists.
The organisations urged President Tinubu to direct security agencies to investigate Wike’s alleged threat and bring any perpetrators to justice. They further called on the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to work with relevant authorities to address all documented threats against journalists since May 29, 2023. Among other recommendations, they asked the government to publicly reaffirm its commitment to media freedom and ensure access to justice for all journalists facing threats or attacks.
“The Tinubu government should urgently take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of Mr. Okinbaloye and other journalists facing threats solely for peacefully exercising their human rights and carrying out their legitimate journalistic work,” the statement concluded.
