AfriPulse
The Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has asked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to retract a controversial remark he made about a journalist with Channels Television, Seun Okinbaloye.
IBAN, the umbrella body for independent broadcast stations in Nigeria, also warned that it may boycott all media engagements organised by the minister if he fails to issue a public apology.
In a statement signed by Ahmed Ramalan, IBAN Chairman, and Fidelis Duker, Acting General Secretary, the association expressed concern about the implications of the comment aired during a live television interview.
The controversy stemmed from a remark made by Wike during a routine media chat on Friday, when he reacted to Okinbaloye’s commentary on the trajectory of Nigeria’s democracy while watching the programme Politics Today.
“If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” Wike had said.
The minister later clarified to journalists present that the statement was not a literal threat.
On Saturday, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications to the minister, described the comment as “hyperbolic”, arguing that it had been taken out of context by critics.
However, IBAN maintained that the remark was inappropriate for a public official, even if it was not intended as a literal threat.
The association said statements suggesting violence could easily be interpreted as intimidation of journalists.
IBAN warned that comments implying violence could contribute to a hostile environment for media practitioners.
The group noted that Nigeria currently ranks 122 out of 180 countries on the global press freedom index, adding that journalists already face numerous challenges.
According to the association, these include surveillance, attacks, and arbitrary arrests.
The association called on the minister to withdraw the remark and apologise publicly to the journalist and the wider media community.
IBAN also urged Wike to reaffirm his commitment to press freedom in accordance with Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution.
“Should the minister fail to meet these requests within a reasonable period, IBAN will have no choice but to advise all independent broadcast stations to suspend coverage of all press briefings, media chats, and official news conferences hosted by the FCT minister,” the statement read.
Despite its warning, the association said it remains open to constructive engagement with public officials.
“We hope the minister will take the necessary corrective action so that normal coverage can continue without interruption,” IBAN added.
Source: Naijanews.com | Read the Full Story…
