Kano House Of Assembly Withdraws Impeachment Notice Against Fmr. Dep. Gov. Aminu Gwarzo

April 7, 2026

Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo - Kano Deputy Governor

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State House of Assembly on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, formally halted the impeachment proceedings initiated against erstwhile Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulssalam Gwarzo.

The withdrawal of the process comes just 48 hours after the former Kano number two citizen joined forces with the opposition Coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress, after resigning from his original political platform, the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP.

The Source reports that the Kano State Lawmakers had, on March 5, 2026, voted to commence impeachment proceedings against Gwarzo, citing alleged gross misconduct, abuse of office and breach of public trust as some of the reasons for their action.

The Legislators alleged that the offences were committed between 2023 and 2024 when the Deputy Governor also served as the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

He was alleged to have diverted and misappropriated Local Council funds to the tune of over N1.6 billion.

However, not a few watchers of political developments in the commercial nerve centre of the North, particularly, the new wave of realignments located the impeachment moves in the Deputy Governor’s refusal to follow his principal, Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf in his defection to the All Progressive Congress, APC.

The Deputy Governor, alongside some other Government appointees, and the Kwankwasiyya Movement had preferred to stick with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the estranged godfather of the Governor, and former Presidential candidate of the NNPP.

However, while other defiant appointees resigned their positions in Government, the former Deputy Governor refused to vacate, a development that forced the Lawmakers to activate the impeachment option.

The Deputy Governor was to finally resign a couple weeks ago, as well as subsequently signing on for the African Democratic Congress, ADC, on Sunday, April 5, at a ceremony in his home town of Gwarzo, Kano North Senatorial District.

He, however, warned that his resignation should not be perceived as an admission of guilt of the allegations leveled against him by the Lawmakers, but rather to allow for smooth governance in Kano.

The Lawmakers’ decision to withdraw the impeachment notice, according to Hon Lawan Hussaini, the Majority Leader, was pursuant to Order 3, Rule 6A of the House rules and regulations .

The Lawmakers, also, withdrew all the allegations earlier leveled against the former Deputy Governor.

“We have decided to withdraw the impeachment motion following the voluntary resignation of the former Deputy Governor.

“We have withdrawn all charges against him and the matter is laid to rest” Hon Hussaini stated while addressing the media on the development.

ADC State Chairmen Disown Both Mark, Gombe Led Leadership, Insist On Kachikwu-Led National Executive

Ayodele Oni

April 7, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

In a twist, the leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress, (ADC), has attracted stakeholders within as state chairmen of the party disowned David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe to lead the party.

The chairmen said only Dumebi Kachikwu, will be recognized by them to lead the party.

Abia State ADC Chapter Chairman, Don Norman Obinna, who disclosed at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, revealed that the chairmen backed the Independent National Electoral Commission’s(INEC) decision to delist the David Mark-led leadership

He said the state chairmen have dissociated themselves from the David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe factions of the ADC.

According to him, the decision was reached on Tuesday at a National Executive Committee, (NEC) meeting held in Abuja.

Obinna, flanked by other state chairmen, said, “We are in total support of INEC in derecognizing the David Mark-led faction.”

He pointed out that the leadership of the ADC, under the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, is legal and authentic.

“ADC has no faction; we are the legal leadership.”

INEC had last week delisted the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC.

The Mark-led leadership had kicked against the development, describing the move as an effort to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.

It said the ADC would continue with its congresses and convention scheduled for 7th to 14th April 2026.

Federal High Court Jails Four Couriers Of Terrorists, As 500 Suspects Face Trial

Ayodele Oni

April 7, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Four Suspects who served as Courier to terrorists bagged various prison terms on Tuesday before the Federal High Court, Abuja.

They were among the 500 terror suspects arraigned before Justice Binta Nyako.

The Federal Government commenced trial of the suspects implicated in series of terror attacks against the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The suspects were alleged to have participated mainly in the Northern parts of the country where more than 2000 Nigerians have been killed and properties destroyed.

Others were accused of aiding and abetting the heinous crime through direct and indirect sponsorship with either finance, arms and ammunition as well as foodstuffs supplies.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN supported by the Director of the Public Prosecution of the federation (DPPF) Rotimi Oyedepo SAN led the prosecution team.

The Director of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Mr Aliu Bagudu Abubakar led the defence team with support from several lawyers.

Fagbemi while confirming the decision of the Federal Government on the trial revealed that a total of 227 suspects were put on trial on Tuesday before 10 Judges of the Federal High Court.

He thanked the Judges for sacrificing their Easter holiday to conduct the trial of the suspects.

To ensure that the trial was transparent and due process of law followed, he said that the federal government brought in representatives of the International bodies, Amnesty International, Human rights associations, Nigeria Bar Association to witness the proceedings.

The suspects were brought to court in loads of trucks with heavy security provided by armed soldiers Department of State Service DSS operatives and police.

In one of the proceedings Justice Binta Fatima Nyako sentenced a major foodstuffs supplier to the Boko Haram terrorists in Borno state, Hamatu Modu to 40 years imprisonment for his involvement in terrorism activities.

Modu who confessed in the open court to supplying food items and information to terrorists was put on trial by the federal government through the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

He was on Tuesday slammed with 4- count charges and instantly pleaded guilty to them.

The Director of the Public Prosecution of the Federation DPPF Rotimi Oyedepo SAN led the prosecution in the court.

In his judgment, Justice Nyako sentenced him to 10 years on each of the four counts but due to plea of the defense counsel, the judge odered that the 40 years imprisonment should run concurrently giving the convict opportunity to spend only 10 years.

In another development, Isah Ali another food supplier also in Borno was jailed 10 years by Justice Nyako.

His jail term will however start three years ago when he was arrested and clamped into detention.

The convict confessed to committing the offence as charged.

Justice Nyako ordered that the convicts be made to undergo rehabilitation and radicalization at the end of their service of the jail terms.

The Federal Ministry of Interior was ordered to determine where the convicts will serve their jail terms.

In a related development, Court sentenced a father of three children, Sheu Buka to 20 years imprisonment for selling goats to Boko Haram terrorists in Borno state.

Buka who was put on trial on 5- count charge by the federal government admitted in the open court and in his extra judicial statement that he committed the offense.

Following his denial of four other charges, the federal government withdrew the ones he denied and left him to count three alone.

Justice Nyako after going through the confessional statement and admission of guilt in the open court as well as the investigation report, convicted the defendant and sentenced him to 20 years.

The Judge refused the plea for leniency made by the convict adding that the issue of terrorism has become worrisome in virtually all parts of the country.

According to the court, rendering support to terrorists is a serious offense that must not be condoned.

Similarly, a father of six children, Hamza Yahuza was sentenced to seven years imprisonment for selling indian hemps and cigarettes to Boko Haram terrorists in Borno state.

Yahuza on Tuesday admitted in the open court to committing the offense in 2023 and begged the court profusely for forgiveness.

He also admitted supplying various drugs to the terrorists in parts of Monguno local government area of Borno.

In the one count charge, the 40 years old convict upon confession sought leniency which Justice Nyako rejected.

The Judge also rejected the claims that it was poverty that pushed him into supplying drugs, indian hemp and cigarettes to the Boko Haram members.

Justice Nyako imposed seven years imprisonment on him but however ordered that the sentence should start from March 6, 2023 when the convict was apprehended and clamped into detention by the federal government.

The trial continues on Wednesday April 8.

Cross River Community in shock, mourns as “Jesus” Dies On Stage

The Source

April 7, 2026

By Stanley Ekpenyong, South-south, Bureau Chief

According to the Bible, Jesus Christ died on the cross of calvary following His crucifixion and resurrected after three days in the grave. However, in Ugep, Yakurr local government area of Cross River state, a “Jesus” has lost his life as he prepared to mount the “cross of Ugep” on Good Friday, and unlike the Biblical Jesus, lays stone death in mortuary currently.

For years, the faithful at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Ugep, gather every Good Friday to witness a familiar face carry the cross, reminiscing the process leading to the crucifixion and death of Christ on the cross. According to a local tabloid, CrossRiverWatch, Michael Obetan, fondly called “English Man”, did not just act the role of Jesus Christ, he lived it with a quiet devotion that made the annual Passion Play deeply personal for many.

But this year, the story ended differently- tragically for him. The 40-year-old 2012 Mass Communication graduate of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) stepped onto the stage to act “Jesus” as he always did, committed, prepared, and reverent.

His fellow parishioners recall that it was a role he had embodied year after year, becoming almost inseparable from the solemn ritual of Good Friday.

Then, in a moment that has left an entire community in shock, tragedy struck, as the “Jesus of Ugep” tragically died on the cross.

Eyewitnesses say the incident occurred during a dramatic sequence involving simulated gunpowder effects. What was meant to heighten the realism of Christ’s suffering reportedly went horribly wrong, as the discharge accidentally struck Obetan in the head while he was still on stage.

Said CrossRiverWatch: “Every year on Good Friday, Mike always takes part in the Passion of Christ drama, playing the role of Jesus. No one imagined this would be the outcome.”

What followed was a desperate race against time. Friends and parishioners rushed him to the Federal Medical Centre in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. But as his condition worsened, he was referred onward to Enugu for more advanced care. The journey, however, ended in heartbreak.

“A close friend who was with him confirmed that Mike passed away on arrival in Enugu,” another source disclosed.

In death, as in life, Obetan left behind a story layered with haunting symbolism.

Just weeks before the incident, on March 23, 2026, he had shared a reflective piece on his Facebook page titled “When Life Feels Like a Closed Tomb,” authored by Fr. Linus Olom.

The message, drawn from John 11:1-45, told the story of Lazarus, a reminder that even in moments of despair, resurrection and hope remain possible.

The post has since taken on a chilling resonance.

It spoke of God’s timing, of pain, and of the call to “come out” from life’s darkest placeswords that friends now read with a mixture of grief, confusion, and painful introspection.

Social media has since been awashed with emotional tributes, many struggling to make sense of the loss.One user, El-donal Obetan, poured out her grief and questioned: “Uncle Mike, did you actually see this before now? If yes, why didn’t you discuss this with anyone or your spiritual father rather than throwing the family in shambles?

“You made us lose our appetite and nothing seems interesting anymore. Death came calling and you couldn’t resist… Have you thought about Dad, Mom, your extended family and loved ones? Bro Mike, why?”

Beyond the stage and beyond the church, those who knew Obeten describe a man who was more than a performer, a pillar, a steady support system, and a dependable presence within his family and community.

Now, in a cruel twist of fate, a man who spent years portraying sacrifice and resurrection has become the center of a story marked only by loss.

And in Ugep, this Easter, the silence after the final scene feels heavier than ever.

Clarus Of New Masquerade Television Drama Series Dies At 85

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 7, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Veteran Nigerian actor, Davis Offor, popular as Clarus has passed on.

The famous actor who featured alongside other renowned thespians in the popular “The New Masquerade” television drama series of many years, died at the age of 85.

His death was announced by a fellow actor Tony Akposheri, known in the New Masquerade as Zacky on his Facebook page on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Akposheri expressed shock and deep sorrow over the demise of his colleague of many years, and noted that nothing suggested that Offor will depart soon as he was full of life when they last met in the early weeks of 2026.

He described the late Offor as not just a colleague, but a friend and brother whose warmth and presence lightened up any space.

“Today, my heart is heavy. Davis Offor, fondly known as Clarus from New Masquerade is gone .

“We crossed into the New Year together laughing , talking , sharing memories ,and speaking hopefully about the days ahead. None of us knew that time was already counting differently for you.

“You were more than a familiar face on screen. You were a friend ,a brother ,a man with warmth, humour and a presence that could light up any space.

” It is hard to believe that the voice I heard not long ago is now a memory. Hard to accept that someone so full of life can suddenly become a story we tell”, Akposheri stated .

“INEC Bent On Excluding ADC From The 2027 Polls”, Abdullahi Alleges

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 7, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has raised the alarm over what it described as a well scripted plot by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to deny the party the chance of fielding candidates ahead of the 2027 polls.

It would be recalled that the electoral umpire had, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, resolved to withdraw recognition for the Senator David Mark-led National Executive Committee NEC, as well as halting all correspondences with it, thereby effectively shutting the party from all activities.

The INEC had cited a subsisting Court of Appeal judgment ordering the maintenance of the status quo,by parties in the internal and leadership disputes rocking the ADC ,as a major reason for its action.

However, the Mark-led leadership of the party has continued to accuse the Commission of deliberately misinterpreting the said Appallate court’s ruling to justify its orchestrated plot to castrate the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The action also has continued to elicit widespread and scathing criticisms from individuals, and groups both locally and Internationally, with not a few accusing the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, of being the unseen hand behind INEC’s action.

In a statement on Monday April 6, 2026, the ADC national spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi expressed deep shock and regret that the electoral body has deliberately laid down “administrative mines” with the sole aim of ensuring that the party does not pose a threat to the APC in the general elections .

The ADC expressed serious fears that INEC’s decision to halt communication, has the dangerous potential to effectively exclude the party from participating in the electoral process.

According to Abdullahi, INEC’s resolve not to accept any further correspondences from the party pending the determination of a case before a Federal High Court Abuja ,is one sure way of shutting out the ADC .

It emphasized that the unsavoury development poses a serious threat to the party’s ability to meet the statutory electoral requirements as spelt out in the amended 2026 Electoral Act.

The ADC noted that a key aspect of the new Electoral Act is the requirement for a mandatory notice of 21days to the INEC before critical activities ,as well as provision for timelines for the submission of documents.

According to Abdullahi, INEC has already fixed May 10, 2026 as the dateline for political parties to submit all documents relevant to the 2027 polls.

However, the party expressed concern that it may not be able to meet the statutory timelines, going by the decision of INEC to halt all dealings with the party pending the outcome of the court case in Abuja.

“In simple terms, INEC is threatening that unless the courts deliver judgment on the ADC leadership issue before May 10, it will prevent the party from producing candidates”, the party stated.

The ADC emphasized that the situation has placed it in an “impossible position” with the creation of a pathway to artificial non-compliance, which may be used to justify its exclusion from the polls.

Relying on documentary evidence, the ADC regretted that the present posture of INEC is coming even when it had earlier recognized the Mark-led leadership having been part of the processes that ushered it in on July 29 , 2025.

According to Abdullahi,the INEC received a formal notice.of ADC’s National Executive Committee NEC meeting , deployed officials to monitor proceedings ,and subsequently updated its record to reflect the emergence of Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.

Furthermore, the ADC referenced a sworn affidavit filed by the Commission at a Federal High Court in September 2025 affirming the completion of the party’s leadership transition process as well as recognizing same .

The party, therefore, expressed shock and disbelief that after partaking in, and affirming all the processes that brought the Mark- leadership in place, the INEC could turn round to adopt a contradictory position by suspending engagement with the party ,and at the same time enforcing strict compliance deadlines.

This is as it called on the Commission to resume acceptance of all lawful correspondences from the party ,and , uphold its constitutional responsibility of ensuring a level playing ground for political parties.

ADC: INEC Must Enforce Compliance With Extant Rules, Regulations, APC Insists

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 7, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The All Progressive Congress, APC, has warned that any political party that fails to meet up with stipulated guidelines should be prepared to face the consequences.

This is as the party insisted that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is constitutionally mandated to enforce compliance with extant rules for the purpose of ensuring credibility and integrity of the electoral process.

The APC reaction is coming against the backdrop of claims by the the African Democratic Congress, ADC, alleging orchestrated plans to prevent it from fielding candidates ahead of the 2027 polls.

The ADC in a statement from its national spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Monday, April 6, 2026, expressed deep shock and disbelief that INEC has deliberately laid what it described as “administrative mines with the sole aim of ensuring that it does not pose as a threat to the APC ,and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.”

But in a statement on Tuesday April 7, 2026, from its spokesperson, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, the Lagos State Chapter of the APC while dismissing the ADC’s alarm insisted that the party must comply with extant rules and regulations governing the electoral process.

According to him, the INEC, as an institution, is empowered by the law, and also operates under established rules and regulations and not on sentiments.

The APC maintained that any political parties that do not meet the requirements for the election, should be prepared for the consequences of its actions, noting that the current challenges facing the ADC are neither new nor exceptional.

Referencing the fate that befell the APC in Zamfara state in 2019 , following the decision of the electoral body to bar the party from fielding candidates due to invalid primaries, it warned that no party is above the law.

The APC accused the ADC of trying to shift blame in an otherwise self-inflicted problems.

The APC, according to the spokesperson ,will never accept responsibility for another party’s internal and leadership disputes.

PDP Demands Explanation Over Alleged Dollar, Land Gifts To INEC Chairman, Top Officials By Wike

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 7, 2026

Nyesom Wike. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory,

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic party PDP has called for a clarification from the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Joash Amupitan, regarding allegation that some top officials were feted with cash and land gifts by the Federal Capital Territory FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

This is as the party described the alleged development as very disturbing and worrisome ahead of the 2027 polls.

The Source reports that renowned social media influencer and activist, Aisha Yesufu, had, on Monday, in an interview on Arise Television , claimed that some INEC officials were recently compromised by Wike with about $50,000 and lands each to orchestrate INEC’s controversial withdrawal of recognition for the Senator David Mark-led National Executive Committee NEC of the African Democratic Congress ADC.

But, so far, the electoral umpire has remained silent on the weighty allegation.

However, in a statement on Tuesday April, 7 ,2027 ,the spokesperson for the PDP Ini Ememobong, insisted that the INEC Chairman who it also accused of being a beneficiary of the FCT Minister’s alleged largese, come clean on the issue.

According to Ememobong, the allegation has further imperiled the INEC’s chairman’s ability to preside over the conduct of free and and fair elections in the country.

The PDP urged the Commission to, as a matter of urgent importance, explain to a concerned nation, the circumstances surrounding the alleged cash and land gifts.

“This news is very disturbing, worrisome, and seems to connect the dots in the land-for-favour scenario currently being widely speculated as the strategy for institutional capture by the Minister .

Professor Josiah Amupitan INEC Chairman — Prof Joash Amupitan, INEC Chairman.

“It is curious that these land gifts are given to officials in agencies critical to elections ,whereas there are other officials in critical development sectors like healthcare professionals, teachers, and even security officials, whose duties demand that they live in the capital city.

“We have not heard of any land allocation to these people, obviously, because they are not directly related to the electoral process.

“We hereby demand that the National Chairman of INEC come clean on these allegations against his top officials ,and even himself ,as he has also been alleged to be a beneficiary.

“These stories ,at a time like this, deepen the erosion of public trust in an electoral umpire with a legacy of stained credibility. Therefore, the Commission should, as a matter of urgency, and priority, inform the public of the true situation regarding this matter.

” The Commission must remember that at all times, it must strive to be ,

like Caesar’s wife, above board and ensure that transparency and impartiality are not just its watchwords ,but are obvious in both it’s words and actions” ,the PDP stated

Kebbi: Terrorists Kill Five Catholic Church Members, 24 Others In Bloody Attack

Ayodele Oni

April 7, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has announced that terrorists, on Monday, invaded Debe community in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State killing at least 24 villagers.

The incident, which left the area in deep mourning had a widespread destruction of homes, places of worship, and business shops.

The police had earlier confirmed that a suspected Mamudawa new terrorists attacked Gebe, Kawara, Kalkami, and nearby villages.

In a statement signed by the Director of Social Communications, Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Rev. Fr. Matthew Stephen Kabirat stated that the terrorists invaded the village around 5am on Monday.

According to Fr. Kabirat, “the victims cut across religious and social groups, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the violence.

“Amongst those killed are five members of the Catholic community: Solomon Gyara, Amos Kagbede, John Solomon, Luka Ishaku, and Yahaya Ayuba. Two others from different Christian denominations—Pastor Ibrahim Mokoshi and Hassan Karaya.”

He added that several traditional worshippers also lost their lives in the attack, including Daura Wojjo, Kogoli Dogo Maigoro, Magandalla Gbakutali, Kalema Gbakutali, Yaron Daura, Abanza Bawa, and Jato Karaya.

Furthermore he disclosed that six victims, identified as Zamani Tanko, Wanzam Bushe, Shekaru Guntu, Sani Maiginan Rijiya, Awwal Shehu Makeri, and Abakar Lenike are from the Muslims community.

The statement revealed that, beyond the tragic loss of life, the scale of destruction was severe as the Roman Catholic Church in Debe an outstation of Sacred Heart Parish Shafaci of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora was completely razed alongside the residence of the catechist, Mr. Zakariya Sule.

Findings also have it that, many homes were destroyed, as local businesses suffered significant losses as well with at least 14 shops burnt dealing a heavy economic blow to the already vulnerable community.

Community leaders say search and recovery efforts are still ongoing, raising fears that the death toll could rise further. The situation remains tensed as villagers have fled and are displaced.

However, calls are mounting for urgent government intervention, a thorough investigation into the incident, and humanitarian support for affected families.

Confirming the incident in a statement, the Kebbi state Police Command stated that suspected Mamudawa terrorists attacked Gebe, Kawara, Kalkami, and nearby villages in Shanga Local Government Area, taking advantage of the wetland terrain.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman said the communities were set on fire, and lives were tragically lost.

While expressing the Command’s deepest condolences to the families affected, Bashir said, Security forces, including Police Tactical Units, the Military, Marine Police, and local vigilantes, are actively deployed to restore normalcy, secure the affected areas, and ensure residents’ safety

Seun Okinbaloye To Wike: “Nobody Can Intimidate Me”, As DSS Assures Him Of His Safety

Ayodele Oni

April 7, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Channels Television’s anchor, Seun Okinbaloye, has expressed concern about the future of democracy in Nigeria if dissenting voices are not allowed.

He declared that “our democracy is in danger if we allow one way traffic in balloting.”

Okinbaloye also said he is not afraid and will not be intimidated following controversy surrounding remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Nyesom Wike, while also thanking Nigerians and organisations for their support.

Okinbaloye made this known during a broadcast on Sunday, where he acknowledged the outpouring of solidarity from civil society groups, viewers, and both local and international organisations.

“I sincerely want to thank civil society organisations, our viewers, for your love and your comments and your solidarity… Your support is deeply appreciated and reinforces our collective commitment to truth and accountability,” he said.

He stressed that his comments were not directed at any political group but at all Nigerians, adding that “this is not a warning to the opposition or the ruling party, but to all Nigerians who believe in the development of our nation.”

Okinbaloye disclosed that he received reassurances regarding his safety, noting “the ongoing reassurance from the Department of State Services,” and also revealed that “I also received a call from the Honourable Minister who clarified that the intention was not as conveyed.”

Despite the clarification, he cautioned against the use of inflammatory language, saying “violent rhetoric or suggestive threats are never appropriate responses to dissent in a democratic society,” especially during an election period when “clear and consistent assurances of safety are critical.”

He added that such statements could create risks if misinterpreted, warning that “we must not create an environment where such statements can be exploited by those with harmful intentions.”

Reaffirming his position, Okinbaloye said, “Let me be clear, I’m not afraid, and I will never be intimidated,” adding that journalism “grounded in ethics and global best practices remains a duty to the public, not a concession to power.”

The anchor maintained that he would continue to hold public officials accountable, stating, “I will continue to do what I love, asking the necessary questions, holding power to account… If that commitment comes at a cost, so be it.”

Wike, had during a media parley in Abuja, reacted aggressively to Okinbaloye’s comments on a Channels Television programme discussing the leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress and its implications for opposition politics ahead of the 2027 elections.

Okinbaloye had raised concerns about the possibility of a one-party state, a position the minister criticised as inappropriate for a journalist.

Although Wike later clarified that he did not intend physical harm, his aide, Lere Olayinka, said the remark was made “in a hyperbolic context… without intent,” explaining that the minister was responding to what he perceived as the anchor’s involvement in political commentary rather than neutral moderation.

Olayinka added, “The Minister never meant that he would shoot Seun Okinbaloye.

“What he meant was that he was angry seeing Okinbaloye descending into the political arena by speaking as an interested party, instead of an interviewer.”

However, Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the minister’s statement, describing it as “reckless and violent,” warning that such language could incite attacks on journalists and undermine press freedom.

The organisation pointed out that the remark “carries the danger of normalising violence and encouraging the targeting of journalists for just doing their job,” stressing that such comments from public officials are unacceptable.

1...484950...2,881 Page 49 of 2,881