April 06, (THEWILL) — The Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to retract and apologise for remarks widely perceived as a threat against a journalist, as support continues to grow for press freedom and responsible public discourse in Nigeria.
IBAN, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Ahmed Tijani Ramalan, and Acting General Secretary, Fidelis Duker, warned it may boycott press briefings organised by the minister if the issue is not addressed. The association said its stance reflects a broader commitment to protecting journalists and reinforcing professionalism within the media space.
At the centre of the controversy is Seun Okinbaloye, an anchor with Channels Television, who has reaffirmed that he will not be intimidated while expressing gratitude for the widespread support he has received.
Speaking during a broadcast on Sunday, Okinbaloye thanked civil society groups, viewers, and both local and international organisations for their solidarity.
“I sincerely want to thank civil society organisations, our viewers, for your love and your comments and your solidarity… Your support is deeply appreciated and reinforces our collective commitment to truth and accountability”, he stated.
Addressing concerns raised by the incident, the journalist warned that suppressing dissenting voices could weaken democratic values, noting that “our democracy is in danger if we allow one-way traffic in balloting.”
He clarified that his remarks were not directed at any political camp, adding that “this is not a warning to the opposition or the ruling party, but to all Nigerians who believe in the development of our nation.”
Okinbaloye also disclosed that he had received assurances regarding his safety, including “ongoing reassurance from the Department of State Services”, and revealed that he received a call from the minister clarifying that his earlier comments were not intended as conveyed.
Despite the clarification, he cautioned against the use of charged language, stressing that “violent rhetoric or suggestive threats are never appropriate responses to dissent in a democratic society”, particularly during an election period when “clear and consistent assurances of safety are critical.” He further warned against the potential misuse of such statements, noting that “we must not create an environment where such remarks can be exploited by those with harmful intentions.”
Reaffirming his position, Okinbaloye declared, “Let me be clear, I’m not afraid, and I will never be intimidated”, adding that journalism grounded in ethics and global best practices remains a duty to the public. “I will continue to do what I love, asking the necessary questions, holding power to account… If that commitment comes at a cost, so be it”, he said.
The controversy followed comments made by Wike during a media parley in Abuja, where he reacted to Okinbaloye’s remarks on a Channels Television programme discussing opposition politics and concerns about a possible drift toward a one-party state ahead of the 2027 elections. While the minister later clarified that he did not intend physical harm, his aide, Lere Olayinka, described the statement as hyperbolic and without harmful intent.
However, Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the remarks as “reckless and violent”, warning that such language could incite attacks on journalists and undermine press freedom.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
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