NUJ Demands Wike Withdraw Remark, Apologise to Journalist Okinbaloye

The Nigeria Union of Journalists has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to withdraw his remark about journalist Seun Okinbaloye and issue an 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.

“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 union noted that it had initially refrained from reacting, hoping the minister would 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 reaction follows comments made by Wike during a media chat, where he responded to Okinbaloye’s analysis on a television programme.

“If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” Wike said.

He later clarified that the remark was not meant to be taken literally.

On Saturday, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, Lere Olayinka, described the statement as “hyperbolic,” adding that it had been taken out of context.

Despite the clarification, the NUJ stressed that public officials must be cautious in their utterances, especially when addressing issues involving the media.

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

The union urged the minister to apologise and called on the Federal Government to reaffirm its commitment to press freedom.

“We call on the Federal Government to restate its commitment to protecting journalists and ensuring that they can carry out their duties without fear,” the NUJ said.

It also appealed to media organisations and civil society groups to support efforts aimed at safeguarding freedom of expression.

“The safety and security of journalists are essential to a healthy democracy, and all stakeholders must work together to uphold these principles,” the statement added.

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