NUJ demands apology from Wike over comment on Journalist Seun Okinbaloye

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to withdraw his controversial remark about journalist Seun Okinbaloye and issue a public apology.

In a statement signed by its National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, the union expressed concern over the comment and its implications for press freedom and journalists’ safety.

“The Nigeria Union of Journalists expresses its concern over the statement made by the Minister regarding a journalist. Such remarks raise important issues about the safety of journalists and the protection of press freedom,” the statement read.

The NUJ said it had initially refrained from reacting, expecting the minister to clarify or retract the statement.

“The NUJ had delayed issuing this statement in the expectation that the Minister would reflect and withdraw the comment. However, the absence of such response has heightened concerns,” it added.

The controversy stems from remarks made by Wike during a media chat, where he reacted to Okinbaloye’s analysis on a television programme, stating: “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.”

Although the minister later clarified that the statement was not intended to be taken literally, and his aide, Lere Olayinka, described it as “hyperbolic,” the NUJ insisted that public officials must exercise caution in their utterances.

“Journalists are members of the fourth estate, not enemies of the state. They are constitutionally empowered to question authority and inform the public,” the union stated.

The NUJ further urged the Federal Government to reaffirm its commitment to press freedom and ensure journalists can operate without fear or intimidation.

It also called on media organisations and civil society groups to support efforts aimed at safeguarding freedom of expression, stressing that the safety and security of journalists are critical to sustaining democracy.

As of the time of filing this report, Wike had not issued any additional personal response beyond the clarification provided by his aide.