RismadarVoice Reporters, April 7, 2026
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned what it described as a “reckless, violent” remark by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, directed at Channels Television journalist Seun Okinbaloye, calling for an immediate apology and decisive action from the Federal Government.
In a statement signed and issued by the NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi on April 5, 2026, the NUJ expressed “profound shock and outrage” over the minister’s comment, in which he reportedly said: “If there’s anyway to break the screen, I would have shot him.”
The union said the remark constitutes an unacceptable attempt to intimidate a journalist and threatens the broader principle of press freedom in Nigeria.
The NUJ said it deliberately delayed responding to the incident, expecting that Wike would reflect on the statement and offer a prompt retraction and apology. However, the absence of such a response, the union noted, raises concerns about the intent behind the comment.
“The regrettable absence of any retraction or apology strongly suggests that the statement was not a momentary lapse but rather a deliberate act designed to intimidate,” the union said.
According to the NUJ, statements of this nature from a senior government official create a climate of fear for journalists carrying out their professional responsibilities and send a troubling signal that critical reporting could attract hostility or threats.
The union emphasized that such rhetoric undermines democratic values and the role of the press in holding public officials accountable.
Consequently, the NUJ demanded an “immediate, unreserved apology” from the FCT minister for the remarks. It also called on the Federal Government to publicly condemn the statement and take concrete steps to guarantee the safety and independence of journalists in the country.
“The safety and security of journalists are paramount to a healthy democracy,” the union stated, urging media organizations, civil society groups, and democracy advocates to stand in solidarity against what it described as an attack on press freedom.
