By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
A coalition of press freedom and civil society organisations has strongly condemned remarks made by Nyesom Wike, Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), against Channels Television journalist Seun Okinbaloye.
During a media chat in Abuja on Friday, Wike reacted to Okinbaloye’s recent commentary on the possibility of Nigeria sliding into a one-party state. The journalist had expressed concern over the dominance of a single political party ahead of the 2027 elections, citing internal crises within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a troubling sign for democratic pluralism.
“Nigeria is doomed democratically if the only viable opposition — the ADC — is unable to contest the 2027 elections,” Okinbaloye said on his programme.
In response, Wike declared: “I was surprised yesterday, thoroughly surprised. If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.”
In a statement signed by 14 organisations, the coalition demanded that Wike retract his remarks, apologise to Okinbaloye and the broader media community, and “reaffirm a clear commitment to non-violence and the defence of press freedom as a public official on oath to abide by the constitution”.
While the minister later clarified that he did not intend to physically harm the journalist, the coalition argued that “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 added. “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 any form of violent language — direct or indirect — endangers journalists and erodes public trust in democratic institutions.
“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 noted. “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 organisations called on public institutions and leaders to reject violent rhetoric against the media and to foster a culture of respectful dialogue, even in the face of strong disagreements.
