The Nigerian Guild of Editors, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project have called on President Bola Tinubu to investigate the alleged threat directed at Channels Television presenter, Seun Okinbaloye, by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The groups, in separate reactions on Monday, also demanded adequate protection for journalists across the country, warning that press freedom was facing increasing threats.
The development followed remarks reportedly made by Wike during a media chat in Abuja last Friday, where he reacted to comments by Okinbaloye on a television programme, expressing strong displeasure over the presenter’s views.
In a joint statement issued by NGE President, Eze Anaba; General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh; and SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisations condemned the comment and urged the Federal Government to carry out a thorough and transparent investigation.
They stressed that journalists must be allowed to carry out their duties without fear of intimidation, noting that public officials are subject to scrutiny and criticism in a democratic setting.
The groups warned that failure to address such incidents could further embolden attacks on the media, citing concerns over a decline in press freedom and rising cases of harassment and intimidation of journalists.
They also referenced data indicating Nigeria’s drop in global press freedom rankings, alongside reports of assaults and arrests of journalists in recent times.
Similarly, the Nigeria Union of Journalists expressed outrage over the minister’s remark, describing it as a serious threat to media freedom.
In a statement by its National President, Alhassan Yahya, the union said it expected an immediate apology, noting that the absence of a retraction suggested the comment was deliberate.
The NUJ urged the Federal Government to clearly condemn the statement and reaffirm its commitment to safeguarding the independence of the media.
In the same vein, the Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria warned it might boycott all media engagements involving the minister if he fails to apologise publicly.
In a statement signed by its Chairman and Acting General Secretary, Ahmed Ramalan and Fidelis Duker, the association described the comment as inappropriate and capable of being interpreted as intimidation.
It called on the minister to withdraw the remark and tender an apology to Okinbaloye and the wider media community, warning that failure to do so could lead to a suspension of coverage of his official engagements.
The groups maintained that protecting journalists and upholding press freedom remain essential to Nigeria’s democratic development.
