The Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have urged President Bola Tinubu to investigate an alleged threat made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, against Channels Television presenter Seun Okinbaloye.
In a joint statement on Monday, signed by NGE President Eze Anaba, General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh, and SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisations condemned the minister’s remark and called on the Federal Government to “promptly, thoroughly, transparently and effectively investigate the threat.”
They further appealed to the government to ensure the safety of Okinbaloye and other journalists.
“The Tinubu government should urgently take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of Mr Okinbaloye and other journalists facing threats to their safety and security solely for peacefully exercising their human rights and carrying out their legitimate journalistic work,” the statement read.
Wike had made the comment during a media interaction in Abuja last Friday, reacting to Okinbaloye’s observations on Politics Today regarding the 2027 elections. “I was surprised yesterday (Thursday); totally surprised when I was watching Politics Today. Seun, if there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” the minister said.
Okinbaloye had raised concerns that the political space was tilting towards dominance by a single party, referencing internal matters within the African Democratic Congress.
Reacting, NGE and SERAP highlighted the growing threats to press freedom in Nigeria, stressing that public officials must remain open to scrutiny and criticism.
“We are seriously concerned that press freedom is in a ‘downward spiral,’ with increasing intimidation, harassment, threats, and attacks against journalists and media freedom across the country. Public figures, including politicians, are subject to a higher degree of scrutiny and criticism. The threat against Mr Okinbaloye illustrates the escalating risks to the safety and security of journalists,” the statement added.
The organisations also reaffirmed that journalists retain their constitutional right to freedom of expression. “Like every individual, Okinbaloye is entitled to exercise his right to freedom of expression as a fundamental human right, including the right to seek, receive, and impart information of public interest,” they said.
Although Wike reportedly attempted to clarify his remarks, the groups insisted the threat should never have been made, warning that such conduct undermines press freedom and democratic accountability.
They further criticised what they described as a culture of impunity surrounding attacks on journalists, citing data from Reporters Without Borders that Nigeria dropped ten places to 122nd in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index. They also noted that at least 56 journalists were reportedly assaulted or arrested in August 2024 alone while covering protests.
The organisations called on the Federal Government to direct security agencies to investigate the threat, bring perpetrators to justice, and for the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to coordinate with relevant agencies to protect journalists.
They also urged the government to publicly reaffirm its commitment to media freedom and ensure access to justice for affected journalists.
