The Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to retract what it described as an “inappropriate and dangerous” remark directed at Channels Television journalist, Seun Okinbaloye, warning that failure to do so could trigger a nationwide media boycott.
IBAN, the umbrella body for independent broadcast stations in the country, in a strongly worded statement signed by its Chairman, Ahmed Ramalan, and Acting General Secretary, Fidelis Duker, expressed concern over the implications of the minister’s comment during a live television engagement.
Wike had, on Friday, while reacting to Okinbaloye’s analysis of Nigeria’s democratic trajectory on Politics Today, said he felt like “shooting” the journalist if it were possible to break through the television screen.
Although the minister immediately clarified that the statement was not a literal threat, and his aide, Lere Olayinka, later described it as “hyperbolic,” IBAN insisted that such language was unbecoming of a public office holder.
According to the association, remarks that suggest violence—whether intended or not—could be perceived as intimidation and contribute to an already tense environment for media practitioners.
The body noted that journalists in Nigeria continue to operate under difficult conditions, including harassment, surveillance and arbitrary arrests, adding that such statements from top government officials only worsen the situation.
IBAN further reminded the minister of Nigeria’s low ranking on the global press freedom index, stressing the need for public officials to uphold democratic values and protect the media space.
The association demanded an immediate retraction of the statement and a public apology to Okinbaloye and the wider journalism community, alongside a clear commitment to press freedom as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.
It warned that failure to comply within a reasonable timeframe would leave it with no option but to direct member stations to boycott all media activities involving the FCT minister.
“Such a step will become necessary to safeguard journalists and discourage the use of threatening rhetoric against the media,” the statement noted.
IBAN, however, maintained that it remains open to constructive engagement, expressing hope that the minister would take corrective steps to prevent further escalation.
