Broadcasters demand apology from Wike over remark on Seun Okinbaloye, threaten boycott
The Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has called on Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), to withdraw a controversial comment he made about Seun Okinbaloye, a Channels Television journalist.
IBAN, the umbrella body for independent broadcast stations in Nigeria, warned that it may boycott all media engagements organised by the minister if he fails to publicly apologise.
In a statement signed by Ahmed Ramalan, chairman of the association, and Fidelis Duker, acting general secretary, IBAN expressed concern over the implications of Wike’s remark, which was made during a live television appearance.
During a routine media chat on Friday, Wike reacted to Okinbaloye’s analysis of Nigeria’s democratic trajectory on Politics Today, saying he was so angered that “if there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.” He later clarified that the comment was not meant literally.
On Saturday, Lere Olayinka, Wike’s senior special assistant on public communications, described the statement as “hyperbolic” and said it had been misinterpreted.
However, IBAN maintained that such remarks are inappropriate for a public official, even if not intended as a direct threat. The association warned that expressions suggesting violence could be seen as intimidation and may contribute to a hostile environment for journalists.
Citing Nigeria’s ranking of 122 out of 180 countries on the global press freedom index, IBAN noted that media practitioners already face challenges including surveillance, attacks, and arbitrary arrests.
The association urged Wike to retract his statement, apologise to Okinbaloye and the media community, and reaffirm his commitment to press freedom in line with sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 constitution.
It warned that failure to do so could lead to a directive for member stations to suspend coverage of all press briefings, media chats, and official engagements involving the FCT minister.
IBAN added that the proposed boycott is aimed at protecting journalists and discouraging violent rhetoric, while expressing willingness to continue constructive engagement with public officials.
