A prominent legal practitioner has strongly condemned Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike for remarks widely interpreted as a threat against a broadcast journalist, raising fresh concerns about press freedom and leadership accountability in Nigeria.

The controversy erupted after Wike was quoted during a live media appearance saying of Channels Television anchor Seun Okinbaloye: “If there’s any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.” The comment came in response to questions about Nigeria’s democratic trajectory and concerns over a one-party system.

Reacting to Wike’s comment, a lawyer and public affairs analyst, Justice Osai Ahiakwo, described the remark as “deeply troubling” and said it undermines the principles expected of a senior public official. He urged Wike to clarify his intentions and reflect on the implications of his words, especially when issued from a position of significant authority.

Media Bodies Call Out Wike

Major media and rights groups have joined the criticism. The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) expressed shock and outrage, condemning the statement as a direct attempt to intimidate the press and calling for an immediate and unreserved apology from the minister. NUJ officials stressed that such rhetoric could create fear among journalists and weaken democratic discourse.

Similarly, the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Socio‑Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) urged President Bola Tinubu’s government to launch a transparent investigation into the alleged threat and ensure the safety of Okinbaloye and other journalists. The groups said unchecked threats against journalists erode civic space and democratic norms.

Beyond unions and rights groups, the Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) announced a boycott of Wike’s media engagements until he retracts the comment and issues a clear apology, arguing that even if not intended literally, the words were “inappropriate” for someone in public office.

Wike’s Clarification and Backlash

Wike has since attempted to downplay the controversy, with local reports indicating he described the comment as a figure of speech made out of frustration during the exchange on live television. He reportedly said he had spoken with Okinbaloye afterward and that there was no personal dispute.

However, media and civil society leaders have rejected such explanations, saying clarifications are insufficient without a formal apology. They warned that language even perceived as threatening can embolden attacks on journalists and set a dangerous precedent for public discourse.

Journalist Responds

In a separate development, Okinbaloye addressed the issue, stating he would not be intimidated and emphasizing the importance of media independence. His response has been supported by calls from journalist bodies for stronger protections and institutional safeguards for reporters covering sensitive political issues.