By: Folayimika Akanbi
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has come under intense criticism over a violent comment credited to him threatening to shoot a journalist.
On Monday, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) demanded an immediate apology from the minister for the verbal attack, declaring that it is tantamount to a direct and unacceptable attempt to intimidate and silence the press.
Wike had during an interview session with Journalists in Abuja while responding to a comment attributed to a Channels Television host, Seun Okinbaloye, that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state, allegedly threatened to break television screen and shoot him if he had his way.
The comment elicited widespread condemnation.
For NUJ, in a statement issued by its National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, the incendiary comment from the minister was disturbing and had created a climate of fear for journalists striving to uphold their professional duties.
The statement was titled “NUJ Demands Apology and Government Action against FCT Minister.”
The union said Wike’s action sent a dangerous message that critical reporting will be met with hostility and threats of violence, describing it as antithetical to the spirit of a free and open society.
It, however, urged the federal government to swiftly condemn the threat to demonstrate its commitment to protecting journalists and safeguarding the independence of the media.
The union called on the government to take concrete steps for journalists to perform their essential role without fear of reprisal.
“The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) expresses its profound shock and outrage at the reckless and violent statement made by Minister Nyesom Wike against Channels Television journalist, Seun Okinbaloye.
The Minister’s egregious threat, “If there’s anyway to break the screen, I would have shot him”, constitutes a direct and unacceptable attempt to intimidate and silence the press, thereby gravely undermining press freedom and the foundational principles of democracy in Nigeria.
“The NUJ had deliberately delayed issuing this statement, holding a sincere belief that Barrister Wike would, upon reflection, demonstrate immediate remorse and promptly withdraw his dangerous comment.
However, the regrettable absence of any such retraction or apology strongly suggests that the statement was not a momentary lapse but rather a deliberate and intentional act designed to intimidate.
This calculated silence deepens our concern and reinforces the perception that the threat was intentional.
“This incendiary comment from a high-ranking government official is not only deeply disturbing but also creates a climate of fear for journalists striving to uphold their professional duties.
It sends a dangerous message that critical reporting will be met with hostility and threats of violence, which is entirely antithetical to the spirit of a free and open society.
“The NUJ unequivocally demands an immediate and unreserved apology from Barrister Nyesom Wike for his reprehensible remarks.
Furthermore, we call upon the Federal Government to swiftly and unequivocally condemn this threat, demonstrating its commitment to protecting journalists and safeguarding the independence of the media.
It is imperative that the government takes concrete steps to ensure that journalists can perform their essential role without fear of reprisal or harm.
“We urge all media organizations, civil society groups, and advocates for democracy to stand in solidarity against this blatant attack on press freedom.
The safety and security of journalists are paramount to a healthy democracy, and any attempt to stifle their voices must be met with a unified and resolute response,” the NUJ’s statement read.(WIND GATE NEWS)
