The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned what it described as a “reckless and violent statement” allegedly made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, against a Channels Television journalist, Seun Okinbaloye.
In a statement issued on April 5, 2026, NUJ President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, expressed shock and outrage over the Minister’s remark, which reportedly included a threat suggesting he would have shot the journalist if possible. The union described the comment as a direct attempt to intimidate the press and an affront to press freedom and democratic principles.
The NUJ noted that it had initially refrained from responding, expecting a retraction or apology from the Minister. However, the absence of any such response, it said, suggests the comment may have been deliberate rather than a momentary lapse.
According to the union, the statement has the potential to create a climate of fear among journalists and could discourage critical reporting. It warned that such rhetoric from a senior government official sends a troubling signal about tolerance for dissenting voices in the media.
The NUJ called on Wike to issue an immediate and unreserved apology, while also urging the Federal Government to condemn the statement and reaffirm its commitment to the protection of journalists and media independence.
The union further appealed to media organizations, civil society groups, and pro-democracy advocates to unite in defending press freedom, stressed that the safety of journalists remained essential to the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.
