Nigeria TV Info 

‘Apologize now’ – NUJ tackles Wike over threat to shoot journalist, asks FG to act

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned a comment by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike where he said, “If there’s any way to break the screen, I would have shot him” in reference to Seun Okinbaloye, a Channels Television anchor. NUJ’s National President, Alhassan Yahya, described it as a reckless threat violating press freedom and undermining democracy, adding that the union deliberately delayed a response hoping Wike would retract or apologise — but he did not. The NUJ is now demanding an immediate unreserved apology and has urged the Federal Government to condemn the remark and take action to protect journalists. Rights groups including the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) and Socio‑Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have also called for a formal investigation into the matter. Wike’s office has argued the comment was a figure of speech made in frustration and not intended as a literal threat; he claims to have since clarified matters privately with Okinbaloye. Lawyers and civil society critics have questioned the minister’s leadership qualities and stressed that public officials must avoid inflammatory language against the media.