Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and other members of a network of press freedom, freedom of expression, and civil society organisations in Nigeria have condemned the threatening remarks made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, against multiple-award winning Channels Television journalist, Seun Okinbaloye.
The group said they are deeply concerned about the comments made by the Minister during a live programme on Channels Television on Friday, April 3, 2026. During the broadcast, the Minister said, “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” while reacting to the journalist’s style of questioning and views shared on the programme.
Although the Minister later explained that he did not mean to physically harm the journalist, the organisations said such statements are still troubling. They stressed that even when said casually or as a joke, comments suggesting violence can be seen as a threat. According to them, such words can create fear and may be interpreted as an attempt to intimidate both the journalist involved and the wider public.
The groups also stressed that statements suggesting violence, even when not acted upon, can create fear and weaken the foundation of a free and independent press. They noted that journalists play an important role in keeping the public informed and holding those in power accountable, and any form of threat, direct or indirect, can put this role at risk.
According to them, such language not only puts individual journalists in danger, but also reduces public confidence in open and democratic discussions. They called on public officials to always show respect for press freedom and to communicate responsibly, especially given their positions of authority.
The groups further pointed out that Nigeria’s press freedom situation remains a concern. With the country ranked 122 out of 180 on the global press freedom index, they said journalists continue to face harassment, monitoring, attacks, and even arrests, particularly during election periods. They warned that comments like these could make the situation worse and increase the risks journalists already face.
As a result, the groups called on the FCT Minister to withdraw the statement, apologise to Seun Okinbaloye and the wider media community, and clearly reaffirm his commitment to non-violence and the protection of press freedom as a public official sworn to uphold the Constitution.
They also urged other public figures and institutions to avoid using harsh or threatening language against the media and instead promote respectful engagement, even when there are disagreements.
Finally, they reminded everyone that these principles are backed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which recognises the role of the media in holding leaders accountable and guarantees the right to freedom of expression and access to information. They reaffirmed their strong commitment to defending press freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists at all times.
Signatories to the statement include the International Press Institute (IPI), Nigeria, International Press Centre (IPC), Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Enough is Enough Nigeria (EIE), Centre for Journalism, Innovation and Development (CJID), Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), YIAGA Africa, and International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR).
Others are Global Rights, Dataphyte Foundation, Accountability Lab Nigeria, TechHer, Kebekatche Women Development Resource Centre, DigiCivic Initiative, and Hope Behind Bars Africa.
