Civil Society Groups Condemn Wike’s ‘Violent’ Remark Against Journalist, Demand Apology
Oru Leonard
A coalition of press freedom and civil society organisations has strongly condemned a controversial remark made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, describing it as dangerous rhetoric capable of undermining press freedom in Nigeria.
The groups, in a joint press release issued on Saturday, criticised Wike’s statement during a live media chat on Channels Television on April 3, 2026, where he reportedly said, “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.” The remark was directed at Seun Okinbaloye, a political correspondent and anchor of the station’s Politics Today programme.
Although the minister later clarified that he did not intend any physical harm, the organisations insisted that such comments—even when framed hypothetically or humorously—amount to conditional threats that could intimidate journalists and erode public confidence in democratic discourse.
According to the statement, violent or suggestive language against media practitioners contributes to a climate of fear, weakening the role of journalists in holding public officials accountable. The coalition warned that such rhetoric not only endangers individual reporters but also threatens the broader principles of a free and independent press.
Citing Nigeria’s ranking of 122 out of 180 countries on the global press freedom index, the groups noted that journalists in the country already face persistent risks, including harassment, surveillance, and arbitrary arrests, particularly during election periods.
The coalition called on Wike to immediately retract his statement, apologise to Okinbaloye and the media community, and publicly reaffirm his commitment to non-violence and the protection of press freedom.
They also urged public officials and institutions to adopt more responsible communication practices, emphasizing respect, restraint, and constructive engagement with the media, even in moments of disagreement.
The statement further referenced Sections 22 and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantee the media’s responsibility to hold government accountable and protect citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and information.
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 civil society organisations.
The groups reiterated their commitment to safeguarding press freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists across Nigeria.
