Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike
The Nigeria Guild of Editors and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project have called on President Bola Tinubu to investigate the alleged threat issued against Channels Television presenter Seun Okinbaloye by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The groups, in a joint statement by NGE President, Eze Anaba, General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, and SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, on Monday, condemned the remark and urged the Federal Government to “promptly, thoroughly, transparently and effectively investigate the threat.”
They also called on the government to ensure the safety of Okinbaloye and other journalists.
“The Tinubu government should urgently take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of Mr Okinbaloye and other journalists facing threats to their safety and security solely for peacefully exercising their human rights and carrying out their legitimate journalistic work,” the statement read.
Wike had, during a media chat in Abuja last Friday, reacted to comments made by the presenter on Politics Today.
“I was surprised yesterday (Thursday); totally surprised when I was watching Politics Today. Seun, if there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” the minister said.
Okinbaloye had raised concerns about the 2027 elections, suggesting that the political space appeared to be tilting towards dominance by a single party, referencing internal issues within the African Democratic Congress.
Reacting, the NGE and SERAP warned that press freedom in Nigeria is under increasing pressure. The groups stressed that public officials must be open to scrutiny and criticism.
“We are seriously concerned that press freedom is in a ‘downward spiral,’ with increasing intimidation, harassment, threats, and attacks against journalists and media freedom across the country.
“Public figures, including politicians, are subject to a higher degree of scrutiny and criticism. The threat against Mr Okinbaloye illustrates the escalating threats to the safety and security of journalists and media freedom in the country,” the statement added.
They further argued that journalists retain their constitutional rights to freedom of expression.
“Like every individual, Okinbaloye is entitled to exercise his right to freedom of expression as a fundamental human right, including the right to seek, receive, and impart information of public interest. His role as a journalist does not diminish or deprive him of this right,” they said.
The organisations noted that even though Wike had reportedly clarified his comments, such remarks should not have been made.
“Although Mr Wike has sought to clarify his remarks, the threat should never have been made in the first place. The objective of those who threaten journalists remains the same: to chill public interest reporting by increasing the risks faced by journalists. Such conduct undermines press freedom and democratic accountability. This must stop,” they said.
They also decried what they described as a culture of impunity surrounding attacks on journalists.
“The continuing failure by the Nigerian authorities to uphold press freedom and to effectively investigate and prosecute the growing cases of threats and attacks against journalists has emboldened those who wish to silence them,” the groups stated.
Citing data from Reporters Without Borders, they noted that Nigeria dropped 10 places to 122nd position in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, adding that at least 56 journalists were reportedly assaulted or arrested in August 2024 alone while covering protests.
They further warned against the increasing use of lawsuits to intimidate journalists.
“We are concerned that security agencies and politicians continue to target journalists with lawsuits, generally for libel or criminal defamation… known as strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs),” they said.
The groups urged the Federal Government to direct security agencies to investigate the alleged threat and bring perpetrators to justice.
They also called on the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to work with relevant agencies to address threats against journalists since May 29, 2023.
Among other recommendations, the organisations urged the government to publicly reaffirm its commitment to media freedom and ensure access to justice for affected journalists.
The Punch
