The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned the controversial remark by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, directed at Channels Television presenter, Seun Okinbaloye, describing it as a threat to press freedom.
In a statement issued by the NUJ National President, Alhassan Abdullahi on Monday, the union expressed shock over Wike’s comment, in which he said he “would have shot” the journalist during a media interaction.
The NUJ described the statement as reckless and capable of intimidating journalists, warning that such remarks from a senior government official could create a climate of fear within the media.
According to the union, it initially held back its response in anticipation of a retraction or apology from the minister. However, the absence of any clarification, it said, suggests the comment was deliberate.
The union demanded an immediate and unconditional apology from Wike, stressing that his statement undermines democratic values and press independence.
It also urged the federal government to publicly condemn the remark and take concrete steps to safeguard journalists and uphold media freedom across the country.
The NUJ further called on media organisations, civil society groups, and democracy advocates to stand united against what it described as an attack on free expression.
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It emphasised that the safety of journalists is critical to a functioning democracy and warned against any attempt to silence critical reporting.
The incident followed comments made by Okinbaloye during a programme on Channel, where he raised concerns about Nigeria’s political direction while discussing the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after its derecognition by the electoral body.
Wike, reacting to the remarks, accused the journalist of bias and issued the controversial statement, which has since drawn widespread criticism.
