The Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to retract a controversial statement and issue a public apology, warning that failure to do so could result in a boycott of his media engagements.
In a statement released on Monday, the association expressed “deep concern” over comments made by the minister during a live broadcast on Channels Television on April 3, 2026. During the programme, Wike was quoted as saying of journalist Seun Okinbaloye, “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” in reaction to the presenter’s interviewing style on Politics Today.
Although the minister has since clarified that the remark was not intended as a literal threat, IBAN maintained that such language is inappropriate for a public office holder. The association warned that expressions implying violence—even hypothetically—could be interpreted as intimidation and may foster hostility toward media professionals.
Highlighting broader concerns, IBAN noted Nigeria’s ranking of 122nd out of 180 countries on the global Press Freedom Index, stressing that journalists already operate under challenging conditions marked by surveillance, harassment, and arbitrary arrests.
Demands and Possible Sanctions
IBAN outlined three key demands for the minister:
- A clear and unambiguous retraction of the statement
- A public apology to Okinbaloye and the media community
- A reaffirmation of commitment to non-violence and respect for press freedom, in line with constitutional provisions
The association warned that failure to comply within a reasonable timeframe could lead to a directive for its member stations to suspend coverage of the minister’s press briefings, media appearances, and official engagements.
“This is not a step IBAN takes lightly,” the statement read, adding that broadcasters have a responsibility to protect their personnel and resist the normalization of violent rhetoric in public discourse.
Call for Resolution
Despite its firm position, IBAN reiterated its commitment to constructive engagement with public officials and expressed hope that the matter would be resolved amicably, allowing regular media coverage to continue.
The statement was jointly signed by IBAN Chairman, Ahmed Tijani Ramalan, and Acting General Secretary, Fidelis Duker.
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