The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has formally requested that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, retract a statement he made concerning journalist Seun Okinbaloye and provide an apology.
In an official statement released by its National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, the NUJ conveyed its apprehension regarding the minister's remark and its potential ramifications for the freedom of the press.
“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 read.
The union indicated that it had delayed its public reaction, anticipating that the minister would offer a clarification or retract the comment.
“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 union further stated.
This situation arises after Wike made comments during a media engagement, responding to an analysis presented by Okinbaloye on a television programme.
During the program, Wike remarked, “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.”
However, he later clarified that his statement was not meant to be interpreted literally.
On Saturday, Lere Olayinka, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, characterized the remark as “hyperbolic” and suggested it had been taken out of context.
Despite this clarification, the NUJ maintained that public officials must exercise prudence in their public statements, particularly when addressing matters involving members of the media.
“Journalists are members of the fourth estate, not enemies of the state. They are constitutionally empowered to question authority and inform the public,” the NUJ affirmed.
The union urged the minister to issue an apology and implored the Federal Government to reiterate its dedication to upholding press freedom.
“We call on the Federal Government to restate its commitment to protecting journalists and ensuring that they can carry out their duties without fear,” the NUJ declared.
Furthermore, the union appealed to media organizations and civil society groups to lend their support to initiatives aimed at safeguarding freedom of expression.
“The safety and security of journalists are essential to a healthy democracy, and all stakeholders must work together to uphold these principles,” the statement concluded.
At the time of reporting, Minister Wike had not released any personal statement beyond the clarification provided by his aide.
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