‘Retract Your Statement, Apologise Or Face Boycott’, Broadcasters Tell Wike Over TV Comment On Okinbaloye

The Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory(FCT), Nyesom Wike, to publicly apologise and retract his recent remarks made about Channels Television anchor Seun Okinbaloye, warning that failure to do so could trigger a nationwide boycott of his media engagements.

In a statement jointly signed by IBAN Chairman, Ahmed Ramalan and Acting General Secretary Fidelis Duker, the association on Monday expressed concern over comments made by the minister during his last monthly media chat on Friday, describing them as inappropriate and potentially harmful to press freedom.

During the session, Wike had reacted to Okinbaloye’s analysis of Nigeria’s democratic trajectory on the Channels Television’s current affairs programme, ‘Politics Today, saying: “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.”

Although the minister immediately clarified that the remark was not a literal threat, IBAN said such language, particularly from a public official, could be interpreted as intimidation.

The association noted that even with the subsequent explanation by Wike’s aide, Lere Olayinka, who described the comment as “hyperbolic” and taken out of context, the statement remained troubling.

“Expressions suggesting violence, even when not intended literally, can contribute to a hostile environment for journalists,” IBAN said, adding that media practitioners in Nigeria already face threats including surveillance, harassment, and arbitrary arrests.

Citing Nigeria’s ranking of 122nd spot out of 180 countries on the global press freedom index, the body stressed that public officials must be mindful of their words and their potential impact.

IBAN, therefore, demanded that the minister issue a public apology to Okinbaloye and the broader media community, and reaffirm his commitment to press freedom in line with Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The association warned that failure to comply within a reasonable timeframe would result in a coordinated boycott of the Minister’s activities.

“Should the minister fail to meet these requests within a reasonable period, IBAN will have no choice but to advise all independent broadcast stations to suspend coverage of all press briefings, media chats, and official news conferences hosted by the FCT minister,” the statement read.

It added that the move would be necessary to protect journalists and discourage what it described as violent rhetoric against the media, while maintaining that it remains open to constructive engagement with government officials.

Meanwhile, Okinbaloye had maintained a firm stance amid the controversy, insisting that he will not be intimidated.

Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘Sunday Politics’ edition, the anchor expressed appreciation for the widespread support he has received from civil society groups, viewers, and international organisations.

“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.

Okinbaloye warned that suppressing dissenting voices poses a threat to democratic values, stating: “Our democracy is in danger if we allow one way traffic in balloting.”

He clarified that his earlier comments were not directed at any political group but were a broader call for national reflection.

“This is not a warning to the opposition or the ruling party, but to all Nigerians who believe in the development of our nation,” he said.

The journalist also revealed that he had received assurances regarding his safety from the Department of State Services and disclosed that Wike had personally contacted him to clarify his remarks.

“I also received a call from the Honourable Minister who clarified that the intention was not as conveyed,” he said.

Despite this, Okinbaloye cautioned against inflammatory rhetoric, particularly in a democratic setting.

“Violent rhetoric or suggestive threats are never appropriate responses to dissent in a democratic society,” he said, warning that such statements could be misinterpreted or exploited.

Reaffirming his position, he added: “Let me be clear, I’m not afraid, and I will never be intimidated.”

He pledged to continue holding public officials accountable, stressing that journalism grounded in ethics remains a duty to the public.

“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,” he said.

The controversy has also drawn criticism from rights groups, including Amnesty International Nigeria, which described the minister’s comment as “reckless and violent,” warning that such rhetoric risks normalising attacks on journalists and undermining democratic principles.