The Nigeria Union of Journalists has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to withdraw a comment he made about journalist Seun Okinbaloye and tender an apology.
In a statement signed by its National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, the union expressed concern over the remark and its implications for press freedom.
“The Nigeria Union of Journalists expresses its concern over the statement made by the Minister regarding a journalist. Such remarks raise important issues about the safety of journalists and the protection of press freedom,” the statement said.
The union said it had initially held back from reacting, expecting that the minister would clarify or withdraw the comment.
“The NUJ had delayed issuing this statement in the expectation that the Minister would reflect and withdraw the comment. However, the absence of such response has heightened concerns,” it added.
The development follows remarks made by Wike during a media chat, where he reacted to Okinbaloye’s analysis on a television programme.
“If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” Wike said.
He, however, clarified shortly afterwards that the comment was not intended to be taken literally.
On Saturday, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, Lere Olayinka, also described the remark as “hyperbolic” and said it had been taken out of context.
Despite the clarification, the NUJ maintained that public officials should exercise caution in their statements, particularly when addressing issues involving the media.
“Journalists are members of the fourth estate, not enemies of the state. They are constitutionally empowered to question authority and inform the public,” the statement said.
The union called on the minister to issue an apology and urged the Federal Government to reaffirm its commitment to press freedom.
“We call on the Federal Government to restate its commitment to protecting journalists and ensuring that they can carry out their duties without fear,” the NUJ said.
It also appealed to media organisations and civil society groups to support efforts aimed at safeguarding freedom of expression.
“The safety and security of journalists are essential to a healthy democracy, and all stakeholders must work together to uphold these principles,” the statement added.
As of the time of filing this report, Wike had not issued any additional personal response beyond the clarification provided by his aide.