Media Groups, Journalists' Union, and Rights Advocacy Organization Urge Tinubu to Probe Intimidation of Okinbaloye and Fellow Reporters

The Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE; Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, have urged President Bola Tinubu to investigate the alleged threat made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, against Channels Television presenter, Seun Okinbaloye.

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In a joint statement, the groups expressed concern over Wike's remark, which they believe undermines press freedom and democratic accountability, and called on the Federal Government to ensure the safety of Okinbaloye and other journalists.

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During a media chat in Abuja last Friday, Wike reacted to comments made by Okinbaloye on Politics Today, saying "I was surprised, yesterday (Thursday); totally surprised when I was watching Politics Today, Seun, if there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him."

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Okinbaloye had raised concerns about the 2027 elections, suggesting that the political space appeared to be tilting towards dominance by a single party, referencing internal issues within the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

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The groups, in their statement, condemned Wike's remark and urged the Federal Government to "promptly, thoroughly, transparently and effectively investigate the threat" and ensure the safety of Okinbaloye and other journalists.

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They warned that press freedom in Nigeria is under increasing pressure, with public officials subject to a higher degree of scrutiny and criticism, and that the threat against Okinbaloye illustrates the escalating threats to the safety and security of journalists and media freedom in the country.

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The statement emphasized that Okinbaloye, like every individual, is entitled to exercise his right to freedom of expression as a fundamental human right, including the right to seek, receive, and impart information of public interest.

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Although Wike has sought to clarify his remarks, the groups believe that the threat should never have been made, and that such conduct undermines press freedom and democratic accountability.

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The groups cited data from Reporters Without Borders, noting that Nigeria dropped 10 places to 122nd position in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, and that at least 56 journalists were reportedly assaulted or arrested in August 2024 alone while covering protests.

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They also warned against the increasing use of lawsuits to intimidate journalists, stating that security agencies and politicians continue to target journalists with lawsuits, generally for libel or criminal defamation known as strategic lawsuits against public participation, SLAPPs.

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, expressed outrage over Wike's remark, describing it as a threat to press freedom, and called for an immediate and unreserved apology from the minister.

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The NUJ urged the Federal Government to take a clear stance and swiftly condemn the threat, demonstrating its commitment to protecting journalists and safeguarding the independence of the media.

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The Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria, IBAN, threatened to boycott all media engagements organised by Wike if he fails to publicly apologise to Okinbaloye, and urged the minister to retract his remark and issue a public apology to the journalist and the media community.

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IBAN expressed concern over the implications of Wike's comment, which they believe could be interpreted as intimidation of journalists, and asked the minister to take necessary corrective action to prevent disruption to media coverage.