Channels TV's Okinbaloye stands firm, unfazed by Wike's remarks

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Seun Okinbaloye, an anchor with Channels Television, has said he will not be intimidated following the controversy sparked by remarks from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, while also expressing appreciation for the widespread support he has received.

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Speaking during a broadcast on Sunday, Okinbaloye thanked civil society groups, viewers, and both local and international organisations for their solidarity.

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“I sincerely want to thank civil society organisations, our viewers, for your love and your comments and your solidarity… Your support is deeply appreciated and reinforces our collective commitment to truth and accountability,” he said.

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Addressing concerns raised by the incident, he warned that silencing dissenting voices could weaken democratic values, stating that “our democracy is in danger if we allow one way traffic in balloting.”

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He clarified that his comments were not targeted at any political camp, adding that “this is not a warning to the opposition or the ruling party, but to all Nigerians who believe in the development of our nation.”

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Okinbaloye also disclosed that he had received assurances regarding his safety, noting “the ongoing reassurance from the Department of State Services,” while revealing that “I also received a call from the

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Honourable Minister who clarified that the intention was not as conveyed.”

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Despite the minister’s clarification, he cautioned against the use of charged language, stressing that “violent rhetoric or suggestive threats are never appropriate responses to dissent in a democratic society,” particularly during an election period when “clear and consistent assurances of safety are critical.”

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He further warned of the potential consequences of such remarks if misunderstood, saying “we must not create an environment where such statements can be exploited by those with harmful intentions.”

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Reaffirming his stance, Okinbaloye said, “Let me be clear, I’m not afraid, and I will never be intimidated,” adding that journalism “grounded in ethics and global best practices remains a duty to the public, not a concession to power.”

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He maintained his commitment to accountability, stating, “I will continue to do what I love, asking the necessary questions, holding power to account… If that commitment comes at a cost, so be it.”

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The controversy followed comments made by Wike during a media parley in Abuja, where he reacted to Okinbaloye’s remarks on a Channels Television programme discussing the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress and its implications for opposition politics ahead of the 2027 elections.

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Okinbaloye had raised concerns about the possibility of a one-party state, a view the minister criticised as inappropriate for a journalist.

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Although Wike later clarified that he did not intend physical harm, his aide, Lere Olayinka, said the comment was made “in a hyperbolic context… without intent,” explaining that the minister was responding to what he perceived as the anchor’s involvement in political commentary rather than neutral moderation.

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However, Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the remarks, describing them as “reckless and violent,” and warning that such language could incite attacks on journalists and undermine press freedom.

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