- The groups further noted that threats against journalists erode democratic discourse and public confidence.
A network of press freedom and civil society organisations has demanded a retraction and apology from Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, following his controversial remark about “shooting” Channels Television anchor Seun Okinbaloye during a live broadcast.
The groups, in a joint press release issued on Saturday, condemned the statement made by the minister during a media chat aired on Channels Television on Friday, where he said: “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.”
The statement was jointly signed by International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria, International Press Centre, Media Rights Agenda, Enough is Enough Nigeria, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, Centre for Media and Society, YIAGA Africa, International Centre for Investigative Reporting, Global Rights, Dataphyte Foundation, Accountability Lab Nigeria, TechHer, Kebekatche Women Development Resource Centre, and DigiCivic Initiative.
According to the coalition, the comment was “undisguisedly directed” at Okinbaloye, a Political Correspondent and anchor of the Politics Today programme while criticising his interviewing style and views expressed during a recent episode.
“Although Minister Wike later clarified that he did not intend to physically harm the journalist, we are of the firm view that even such hypothetical expressions of violent intent constitute a conditional threat and cannot be dismissed as harmless,” the statement read.
The organisations added that “even if meant humorously, such rhetoric can be perceived as intimidation by both the journalist and the audience.”
They warned that conditional threats or violent statements against journalists contribute to a climate of fear and undermine press freedom.
“We assert that conditional threats or violent statements against journalists contribute to a climate of fear, undermining the fundamental principles of a free and independent press especially as journalists play a crucial role in informing the public and holding power to account,” the coalition stated.
The groups further noted that threats against journalists erode democratic discourse and public confidence.
“Threats or violent language, whether explicit or veiled, not only endanger individual reporters but also erode public trust in democratic discourse,” the statement added.
The coalition emphasised that public officials must exercise restraint in their public communications.
“Public officials must demonstrate respect for these principles and uphold standards of decorum and restraint in all communications,” the organisations said.
They also highlighted concerns about the safety of journalists in Nigeria, noting the country’s ranking on global press freedom indicators.
“With a press freedom index ranking of 122 out of 180 countries, Nigeria remains one of West Africa’s most dangerous and challenging countries for journalists,” the statement read, adding that “media professionals are routinely monitored, attacked, and arbitrarily arrested, particularly during electoral campaigns.”
The coalition said incidents such as the minister’s remark could worsen the situation.
“Incidents like this can further imperil journalists and highlight the urgent need for balanced and responsible political engagement, especially from public officials,” the statement added.
The organisations called on the minister to retract the statement and apologise.
“We call on the FCT Minister to fully retract the statement, issue an apology to Mr. Seun Okinbaloye and the wider media community, and reaffirm a clear commitment to non-violence and the defense of press freedom,” the coalition said.
They also urged institutions and public figures to promote respectful dialogue.
“Furthermore, we urge all institutions and public figures to reject violent rhetoric against the media and promote a culture of respectful media dialogue, even amid strong disagreements,” the statement read.
The coalition referenced constitutional provisions supporting press freedom, noting that “Sections 22 and 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria affirm the media’s role in holding officials accountable and guarantee the right to hold opinions and receive and impart information freely.”
The organisations reiterated their commitment to the protection of journalists, stating, “We reiterate our unwavering commitment to press freedom and the safety of journalists everywhere.”
