A coalition of civil society and media freedom organisations has condemned what it described as a “dangerous and unacceptable” comment made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, during a televised media chat.
The groups criticised the minister over a remark aired on Channels Television on Friday, in which he said he would have “shot” a journalist if it were possible to break through the screen. The statement was directed at Seun Okinbaloye, a political correspondent and anchor of the station’s Politics Today programme, following disagreement with the journalist’s interviewing approach.
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Although the minister later clarified that the comment was not intended as a literal threat, the organisations said such language—even when framed hypothetically—amounts to intimidation and should not be trivialised.
In a joint statement issued Saturday, the groups warned that expressions suggesting violence against journalists risk creating fear within the media space and could undermine press independence. They stressed that journalists play a vital role in informing the public and holding public officials accountable, noting that hostile rhetoric from those in power weakens democratic engagement.
The statement further highlighted concerns about the safety of media professionals in Nigeria, citing the country’s low ranking on global press freedom indices and recurring cases of harassment, attacks, and arrests of journalists, particularly during election periods.
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Calling for accountability, the coalition urged Wike to withdraw his comment, apologise to Okinbaloye and the broader media community, and publicly reaffirm his commitment to non-violence and press freedom.
The groups also appealed to public office holders and institutions to avoid inflammatory language and instead promote respectful engagement with the media, even in moments of disagreement.
They referenced provisions in Nigeria’s Constitution that guarantee freedom of expression and recognise the media’s responsibility to hold government accountable, insisting that these principles must be upheld at all times.
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Signatories to the statement include the International Press Institute (Nigeria), International Press Centre, Media Rights Agenda, Enough is Enough Nigeria, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, YIAGA Africa, and several other civic and media development organisations.
The coalition reiterated its commitment to defending press freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists across the country.
