NUJ To Wike: Apologise Now Over Your Threat To Shoot Channel’s Okinbaloye

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has demand a public apology from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike over his remark about Channels Television journalist, Seun Okinbaloye.

The minister, the magazine recalls, recently made the remark during his monthly press briefing with some select journalists in Abuja, the nation’s capital,  which not a few have described as a threat against the life of the popular journalist, who anchors Politics Today programme.

“If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” Wike said.

Reacting in a statement on Monday, the NUJ criticized the minister for making  such remarks, which it said is capable of endangering the lives of journalists in the country, as well as affect press freedom.

The statement was signed by its National President, Alhassan Ya hya Abdullahi,

Nigeria is ranked among the countries with worst press freedom, and journalist abuse globally according to Amnesty International, AI.

“The Nigeria Union of Journalists expresses its concern over the statement made by the Minister regarding a journalist. Such remarks raise important issues about the safety of journalists and the protection of press freedom,” the statement said.

Adding, “The NUJ had delayed issuing this statement in the expectation that the Minister would reflect and withdraw the comment. However, the absence of such response has heightened concerns.”

The association representing Television and Radio stations in the country, the Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria, IBAN had earlier directed its members to boycott press briefings by Wike until he retracts his threat to shoot the Channels Television journalists.