The Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have condemned a reported threat by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, against Channels Television presenter, Seun Okinbaloye.
The groups urged the federal government to investigate the incident promptly and ensure the safety of journalists across the country.
Wike reportedly made the threat during a media chat in Abuja last Friday, saying, “I was surprised yesterday (Thursday); totally surprised when I was watching Politics Today. Seun (Okinbaloye), if there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.”
The Minister’s comment came after Okinbaloye expressed concerns that the 2027 elections were increasingly shaping up as a contest dominated by a single political party, citing reported crises within the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Wike argued that journalists should not express personal opinions.
Reacting, NGE and SERAP described the threat as “seriously concerning,” noting that press freedom in Nigeria is under growing pressure from intimidation, harassment, and attacks on media personnel.
“Public figures, including politicians, are subject to a higher degree of scrutiny and criticism. The threat against Okinbaloye illustrates the escalating risks to the safety and security of journalists in the country,” the statement jointly signed by NGE President Eze Anaba, General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh, and SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, read in part.
They emphasized that Okinbaloye, like every individual, is entitled to freedom of expression, including the right to seek, receive, and impart information of public interest.
The groups warned that efforts to coerce journalists undermine press freedom and democratic accountability. They urged the government to end impunity for crimes against journalists and ensure swift action against those responsible.
“In August 2024 alone, at least 56 journalists were assaulted or arrested while covering demonstrations across the country. According to Reporters Without Borders, Nigeria dropped 10 spots to 122nd in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index,” the statement added.
NGE and SERAP called on President Bola Tinubu to publicly direct law enforcement and security agencies to investigate threats against journalists, including Okinbaloye, and ensure access to justice for media practitioners whose rights are violated.
“The government must publicly reiterate its support for media freedom, take decisive steps against those seeking to undermine it, and foster an independent, diverse, and vigorous press,” the groups stressed.
They also urged the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, to work with law enforcement to investigate all threats and attacks on journalists since May 29, 2023, and bring the perpetrators to justice.
