The Nigeria Union of Journalists has strongly condemned what it described as a “reckless and violent” comment made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, against Seun Okinbaloye of Channels Television, demanding an immediate apology and government action.
In a media release issued on April 5, 2026, and signed by its National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, the union expressed “profound shock and outrage” over the minister’s statement: “If there’s anyway to break the screen, I would have shot him.”
The NUJ described the remark as a direct attempt to intimidate and silence the press, warning that such rhetoric poses a serious threat to press freedom and democratic values in Nigeria. According to the union, it initially withheld its reaction in anticipation that the minister would retract the statement and offer an apology.
However, the absence of any clarification or remorse, the union noted, suggests that the comment may have been deliberate rather than a slip of the tongue. This, it said, raises deeper concerns about the safety of journalists and the broader environment in which they operate.
“The statement is deeply disturbing and creates a climate of fear for journalists striving to uphold their professional duties,” the NUJ said, adding that it sends a dangerous signal that critical reporting could attract hostility or threats.
The union called on the Federal Government to publicly condemn the comment and take concrete steps to protect journalists from intimidation and harm. It stressed that safeguarding media independence is essential to sustaining democracy.
The NUJ also urged media organisations, civil society groups, and democracy advocates to unite in condemning what it described as a blatant attack on press freedom, emphasizing that the safety and security of journalists must remain a national priority.