The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed shock and outrage over Minister Nyesom Wike’s threat against Channels Television journalist, Seun Okinbaloye. Wike’s comment, “If there’s anyway to break the screen, I would have shot him”, is seen as an attempt to intimidate and silence the press, undermining press freedom and democracy in Nigeria.
The NUJ demands an immediate and unreserved apology from Wike for his remarks. “This incendiary comment from a high-ranking government official is not only deeply disturbing but also creates a climate of fear for journalists striving to uphold their professional duties,” the statement read.
The union also calls on the Federal Government to condemn the threat and take concrete steps to ensure journalists can work without fear of reprisal. The incident has sparked widespread criticism, with Amnesty International describing Wike’s language as “dangerous and unacceptable”.
Wike later clarified that he didn’t mean to physically harm Okinbaloye, but the NUJ and other groups insist that his remark was a conditional threat and cannot be dismissed as harmless. The Atiku Media Office has also demanded an apology from Wike, stating that his comment reflects a growing intolerance for dissent under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
