A controversial statement by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has sparked outrage among broadcasters, with the Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN) calling for an immediate apology.
The demand follows remarks made by Wike during a media parley on April 3, in response to comments by journalist, Seun Okinbaloye, on the programme Politics Today.
Okinbaloye had stressed the importance of political competition ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that the absence of viable opposition could weaken Nigeria’s democracy. Reacting, Wike expressed surprise at the comments and made a statement IBAN says could be interpreted as threatening.
In a statement, the association described the remark as inappropriate and potentially intimidating to media professionals. While acknowledging the minister’s later clarification that no harm was intended, IBAN noted that such language from public officials risks normalising hostility toward journalists.
The group urged Wike to apologise to Okinbaloye and the broader media community, and to reaffirm his commitment to press freedom.
IBAN further warned that failure to do so could result in a coordinated boycott of the minister’s press briefings and media engagements nationwide, stressing that rhetoric perceived as violent or intimidating must not be tolerated.
