- The Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have officially called on President Bola Tinubu to investigate a controversial remark made by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike regarding broadcaster Seun Okinbaloye.
- The groups warned that media freedom in Nigeria is in a “downward spiral,” citing increased intimidation, harassment, and “strategic lawsuits against public participation” (SLAPPs) targeting journalists.
- Beyond the investigation, the Federal Government has been urged to reaffirm its commitment to the safety of journalists and ensure that public officials remain open to scrutiny without resorting to threats.
The Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have issued a joint call to President Bola Tinubu to initiate a thorough and transparent investigation into an alleged threat made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the controversy stems from remarks made by the Minister during a media chat last Friday, where he expressed strong dissatisfaction with Seun Okinbaloye, a presenter of Channels Television.
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Wike was quoted as saying, “Seun, if there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” following a broadcast where Okinbaloye discussed the potential for a single-party dominant state ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement signed by NGE President Eze Anaba and SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the advocacy groups condemned the Minister’s language, asserting that such threats, even if later clarified, have a “chilling effect” on public interest reporting.
They argued that the role of the media as a watchdog is essential for democratic accountability and that journalists must be able to exercise their constitutional right to freedom of expression without fear of physical harm or professional intimidation.
The groups emphasized that public figures must accept a higher degree of scrutiny and criticism as part of their roles.
The petition also drew attention to a broader decline in Nigeria’s press freedom landscape. Citing data from Reporters Without Borders, the organizations noted that Nigeria fell to 122nd place in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index.
They highlighted a growing culture of impunity, where attacks on journalists often go uninvestigated and unprosecuted.
The statement specifically mentioned that at least 56 journalists were assaulted or arrested in August 2024 alone while covering nationwide protests, signaling a dangerous trend for media practitioners in the country.
To address these concerns, NGE and SERAP have urged the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to collaborate with security agencies to track and address all threats against journalists recorded since May 2023.
They called for the Federal Government to publicly reaffirm its commitment to media independence and to ensure that security agencies are not used as tools for political intimidation.
As the political space heats up ahead of 2027, the groups maintain that protecting journalists like Okinbaloye is not just about individual safety, but about defending the sovereignty and democratic integrity of Nigeria.
