Minister Wike Clarifies Remarks, Calls Threat to Channels TV Anchor 'Figurative'

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has stated that his earlier comment directed at Channels TV anchor Seun Okinbaloye was not a genuine threat but rather a figurative expression. He explained that the remark was taken out of context and misinterpreted by the public.

Wike made these clarifications in Abuja on Tuesday, April 7. He expressed frustration over how his words were perceived, emphasizing that he did not intend to threaten physical harm.

"You can imagine what happened in our press conference. And people just, you see, people just capitalise on things. Even when I explained there that, ‘look, it’s not correct. I didn’t say I would kill him. All I was trying to explain is that figuratively," Wike stated.

He further elaborated on his emotional state during the press conference, noting his strong reaction to what he perceived as inappropriate questioning from the interviewer. "I was so angry. How can you descend so low? You are an interviewer. How do you now begin to say something that…you are no longer interviewing your guests… You are now saying this is what is going on? It’s not fair. If I can break this…how can you break? I mean, how can? And people will capitalise on everything. Those who have defeated several, then they will come under you and say, look, do this, do this, do this,” he added.

The statement that caused the backlash was made during a media event on Friday, April 3. Wike was responding to an analysis presented by Seun Okinbaloye on the program 'Politics Today.' During his response, Wike commented, “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” which subsequently led to widespread criticism.

Wike reiterated that his intention was to express his frustration and not to issue a direct physical threat to the journalist.

In response to the incident, Seun Okinbaloye, in a later broadcast, affirmed his commitment to journalistic integrity and stated that he would not be intimidated. He also remarked that such threatening language is unsuitable for a democratic environment.