By Adesina Soyooye
Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has been penalised by the Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) for threatening to shoot Channel Television’son Seun Okinbaloye’s over his method of interviewing his guests.
IBAN made the announcement, on Sunday, of its decision to boycott press briefings by Wike until he retracts his threat to shoot Channels Okinbaloye, and tender public apology for the threat.
IBAN is the recognised umbrella body representing the interests of all independent broadcast stations across the country.
Wike had, on Friday, April 3, 2026, during his monthly Press Interview Television/briefing said that he felt like shooting journalist Seun Okinbaloye while listening to him interview a guest:
Wike: “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.”
IBAN, in a statement signed by the Chairman, Alh (Dr) Ahmed Tijani Ramalan, and Acting General Secretary, Fidelis Duker said: “While the Minister has since indicated he did not intend physical harm, IBAN believes that any expression of violent intent – even hypothetical – is inappropriate for a public official. Such language can be perceived as intimidation and risks normalising hostility toward the media.
Nigeria currently ranks 122 out of 180 countries on the Press Freedom Index.
“Journalists already face significant challenges, including surveillance, attacks, and arbitrary arrests. Remarks of this nature from a senior government figure only worsen an already difficult environment for media professionals.”
For peace to reign IBAN gave its conditions to the FCT Minister. They are:
1. Fully retract the statement in clear terms.
2. Issue a public apology to Mr. Seun Okinbaloye and the broader media community.
3. Reaffirm his commitment to non-violence and respect for press freedom, consistent with Sections 22 and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution (1999, as amended).
It directed a boycott thus:
“Should the Minister fail to meet these requests within a reasonable period, IBAN will have no choice but to advise all independent broadcast stations – whose interests this association solely represents – to suspend coverage of all press briefings, media chats, and official news conferences hosted by the FCT Minister.
“This is not a step IBAN takes lightly. However, independent broadcasters must protect their personnel and uphold the principle that violent rhetoric will not be normalised or rewarded with platform access.”
IBAN emphasised its commitment to constructively engage with public officials.
It said: “We hope the Minister will take the necessary corrective action so that normal coverage can continue without interruption. The ball is in his court.”
The Minister, however, in a statement signed by Lere Olayinka, his Special Adviser said his Principal spoke figuratively and never meant that he could have shot Okinbaloye and disclosed that both the Minister and the Journalist spoke on Saturday – a day after the Minister’s tactless comment.
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