Nigeria’s independent broadcasters have issued a stern ultimatum to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike: publicly retract his controversial remark about journalist Seun Okinbaloye and apologise, or face a total boycott of his media engagements.
The Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN), the umbrella body for independent broadcast stations across the country, expressed deep concern over the minister’s comment, describing it as inappropriate and potentially intimidating to media professionals.
In a statement signed by IBAN Chairman Dr Ahmed Tijani Ramalan and Acting General Secretary Fidelis Duker, the association demanded that Wike fully retract the statement, issue a public apology to Okinbaloye and the broader media community, and reaffirm his commitment to non-violence and press freedom as enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution.
The row erupted during Wike’s routine media chat on Friday, when he reacted angrily to comments made by Okinbaloye, anchor of Channels Television’s Politics Today programme. While discussing the trajectory of Nigeria’s democracy, Wike said: “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.”
He quickly clarified to journalists present that the remark was not literal and did not mean he intended to pull the trigger on the veteran journalist.
On Saturday, Lere Olayinka, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, described the minister’s comment as “hyperbolic” and accused propagandists of taking it out of context.
IBAN, however, insisted the remark crossed a line and warned that failure to meet its demands within a reasonable time would leave the association with “no choice” but to advise all independent broadcasters to shun Wike’s press briefings and other media interactions.
The development comes amid growing scrutiny of public officials’ rhetoric towards journalists, with several media and civil society groups already condemning the language as reckless.
Okinbaloye has since responded, stating he is “not afraid” and will not be intimidated in the discharge of his professional duties.
IBAN’s position underscores the broadcasting community’s resolve to push back against what it sees as an attempt to muzzle critical voices in Nigeria’s democracy.
