Wike Under Fire as Media Group Demands Apology Over Comment on Journalist Seun
A media foundation demands an apology from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over remarks concerning journalist Seun Okinbaloye, while an APC chieftain defends the comment as misinterpreted.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has come under criticism following remarks he made during a media interaction, with a media advocacy group calling for an immediate apology over what it described as a troubling statement directed at television journalist, Seun Okinbaloye.
Glide Media Foundation, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the minister’s comment—widely interpreted as a threat—was inappropriate and raised serious concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists in Nigeria.
The organisation’s Executive Director, Arabinrin Aderonke, described the remark as “reckless and alarming,” stressing that public office holders must exercise restraint, particularly when addressing issues involving the media.
According to the foundation, journalists play a vital role in democratic societies by holding leaders accountable and informing the public, and should not be subjected to intimidation or hostile rhetoric.
“Journalism is not a crime. No journalist should face threats or harassment for simply doing their job,” the statement said, warning that such language, if normalised, could embolden attacks against media professionals.
The group further urged authorities to take proactive steps to guarantee the safety of journalists, noting that the protection of press freedom remains central to democratic governance. It also insisted that an unreserved public apology from the minister would help douse rising tensions.
APC Chieftain Counters Criticism
However, the controversy took a political turn as a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Princewill Dike, dismissed the backlash, accusing opposition figures of distorting the minister’s remarks for political gain.
Speaking with journalists in Port Harcourt, Dike argued that Wike’s statement was taken out of context and exaggerated by critics seeking to discredit the current administration.
He maintained that the comment was a figure of speech made in a relaxed media setting and not a literal threat, describing the outrage as “manufactured.”
“No reasonable person would interpret such a remark as a real threat,” he said, adding that Nigeria’s political discourse often features exaggerated expressions that should not be taken literally.
Dike further accused opposition groups, including allies of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, of amplifying the issue to create controversy where none existed.
According to him, the attempt to frame the comment as violent rhetoric reflects a broader pattern of political attacks aimed at undermining confidence in government officials.
Growing Debate Over Political Rhetoric
The incident has sparked wider conversations about the tone of public discourse in Nigeria, particularly the language used by political leaders when addressing journalists and critics.
Media stakeholders have long raised concerns about the safety of journalists and the need for responsible communication by public officials, especially in a climate where tensions around governance and accountability remain high.
While supporters of the minister insist the comment was harmless, critics argue that even casual remarks from influential figures can have far-reaching implications.
As the debate continues, attention is now focused on whether the minister will respond to calls for clarification or apology, and what the development means for the broader relationship between government officials and the media.