The Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has called on Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, to withdraw a statement he made about Seun Okinbaloye, a journalist with Channels Television.
IBAN, which represents all independent broadcast stations in Nigeria, warned it could boycott any media events organized by the minister if he does not issue a public apology to the journalist.
In a statement signed by Ahmed Ramalan, IBAN chairman, and Fidelis Duker, acting general secretary, the association expressed concern over Wike’s remark during a live television interview.
On Friday, during a regular media appearance, Wike said he was frustrated by Okinbaloye’s comments on the nation’s democratic trajectory while watching ‘Politics Today’. Wike stated, “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.” He later clarified to reporters that his comment was not a literal threat.
On Saturday, Lere Olayinka, Wike’s senior special assistant on public communications, described the minister’s comment as “hyperbolic” and claimed it had been taken out of context by critics.
IBAN said that even though Wike clarified he did not intend physical harm, the statement was inappropriate for a public official. The association noted that remarks implying violence could intimidate journalists and worsen the already challenging environment for media practitioners in Nigeria, which ranks 122 out of 180 countries on the press freedom index. Journalists in the country face threats including surveillance, attacks, and arbitrary arrests.
The association urged Wike to retract his statement, apologize publicly to Okinbaloye and the wider media community, and reaffirm his commitment to press freedom as guaranteed under sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 constitution. IBAN warned that failing to comply could lead to a boycott by independent broadcasters.
“Should the minister fail to meet these requests within a reasonable period, IBAN will have no choice but to advise all independent broadcast stations to suspend coverage of all press briefings, media chats, and official news conferences hosted by the FCT minister,” the statement read.
IBAN said the action is aimed at protecting journalists and discouraging violent rhetoric, while emphasizing that it remains open to constructive dialogue with public officials. “We hope the minister will take the necessary corrective action so that normal coverage can continue without interruption,” the association added.
