FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has clarified his recent comment directed at Channels Television anchor, Seun Okinbaloye, insisting that it was misinterpreted and not intended as a threat.
Wike made the clarification during an interview on News Central on Monday, where he said the backlash over his remark was exaggerated and politically motivated.
According to him, the statement was a “figure of speech” used to express anger during the exchange, adding that people who understand his relationship with the journalist would not misread it.
He also criticised Okinbaloye for not reaching out privately before the matter became a public controversy.
The minister argued that proper journalistic practice requires seeking clarification directly from sources before drawing conclusions.
Wike further stated that the issue had been resolved between both parties, noting that they had since spoken and there was no ongoing dispute.
The controversy stemmed from comments made by Wike at a media parley in Abuja, where he reacted to remarks by Okinbaloye on Channels Television concerning the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress and its implications for opposition politics ahead of the 2027 elections.
During the programme, Okinbaloye had expressed concern about the possibility of Nigeria drifting toward a one-party system, a position Wike criticised.
Earlier, Wike’s aide, Lere Olayinka, described the minister’s statement as hyperbolic, saying it was not meant to be taken literally but reflected frustration over what he viewed as a journalist venturing into political commentary.
Okinbaloye later said he would not be intimidated but confirmed that Wike had reached out to clarify the intent behind the remark, while also cautioning against the use of inflammatory language in public discourse.
