…threatens boycott of his Briefings
The Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, to retract and apologise over a controversial remark directed at Channels Television journalist, Seun Okinbaloye, warning that failure to do so could lead to a boycott of the minister’s media engagements.
IBAN, the umbrella body representing independent broadcast stations across the country, expressed concern over comments allegedly made by the minister during a live media chat on Channels Television on Friday, April 3, 2026. According to the association, Wike had reacted to Okinbaloye’s interviewing style on the Politics Today programme by stating: “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.”
Although the minister has reportedly clarified that he did not intend any physical harm, IBAN said such remarks, even when made hypothetically, were inappropriate for a public official and could be interpreted as intimidating to journalists.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Alhaji (Dr.) Ahmed Tijani Ramalan, and Acting General Secretary, Fidelis Duker, the association noted that expressions suggesting violence against members of the media could contribute to a hostile climate for press freedom in Nigeria.
The body cited Nigeria’s ranking of 122 out of 180 countries on the global Press Freedom Index, stressing that journalists already operate under challenging conditions marked by surveillance, harassment, attacks and arbitrary arrests. It warned that comments perceived as threatening from senior government officials could further worsen the situation.
IBAN urged the FCT minister to take specific steps to address the issue, including issuing a clear retraction of the statement, tendering a public apology to Okinbaloye and the wider media community, and reaffirming his commitment to non-violence and respect for press freedom as guaranteed under Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
The association stated that if the minister fails to comply within a reasonable time, it may advise all independent broadcast stations nationwide to suspend coverage of his press briefings, media chats and official news conferences.
“This is not a step IBAN takes lightly,” the statement said, noting that independent broadcasters must ensure the safety of media professionals and resist any attempt to normalise violent rhetoric against journalists.
IBAN, however, expressed willingness to maintain constructive engagement with public officials, adding that it hopes the minister will take corrective action to prevent disruption of media coverage.
“The ball is in his court,” the association said.
