Broadcasters Threaten Blackout of Wike’s Media Activities Over Comment on TV Anchor

The Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria has demanded a public retraction and apology from Nyesom Wike over his controversial remark concerning Seun Okinbaloye, warning that failure to do so could trigger a nationwide boycott of the minister’s media engagements by independent broadcast stations.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Ahmed Ramalan, and Acting General Secretary, Fidelis Duker, the association described the minister’s comment as inappropriate and capable of sending the wrong signal in a democratic society where journalists already operate under pressure.

The controversy followed remarks made by Wike during a media chat in Abuja, where he reacted angrily to comments made by Okinbaloye during an edition of Politics Today on the state of Nigeria’s democracy.

“If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” Wike had said, before immediately clarifying that the remark was not intended as a literal threat.

However, the broadcasters’ body said that even with the clarification, such language from a senior public official was disturbing and capable of being interpreted as intimidation against the media.

According to the association, statements suggesting violence against journalists could deepen concerns over press freedom in Nigeria, especially at a time media practitioners continue to face surveillance, harassment, attacks and arbitrary arrests.

IBAN noted that Nigeria’s current global press freedom ranking underscores the need for restraint by public office holders, adding that the media must be allowed to function without fear or intimidation.

The association therefore called on Wike to publicly withdraw the statement, apologise to Okinbaloye and reassure journalists of his commitment to constitutional protections for free expression and press freedom under Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution.

It warned that if the minister fails to act within a reasonable period, independent broadcast stations across the country may suspend coverage of all press briefings, media chats and official news conferences organised by him.

“Should the minister fail to meet these requests within a reasonable period, IBAN will have no choice but to advise all independent broadcast stations to suspend coverage of all press briefings, media chats and official news conferences hosted by the FCT minister,” the statement said.

Responding earlier on Sunday during a live broadcast of Sunday Politics, Okinbaloye said he was not intimidated by the minister’s remark.

“I am not afraid and can never be intimidated. Journalism grounded in ethics and global best practices remains a duty to the public, not a concession to power,” he said.

Meanwhile, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, Lere Olayinka, had defended the minister, describing the statement as hyperbolic and taken out of context.

IBAN nevertheless maintained that responsible public communication remains essential in preserving democratic values and protecting journalists from hostile rhetoric.