Channels Television presenter Seun Okinbaloye has stated that he is neither worried nor intimidated by the issue surrounding remarks made by the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, while also thanking Nigerians and organizations for their support.
Okinbaloye stated this during a broadcast on Sunday, acknowledging the outpouring of support from civil society groups, viewers, and both local and foreign organizations.
“I sincerely want to thank civil society organizations and our viewers for your love and your comments and your solidarity… Your support is deeply appreciated and reinforces our collective commitment to truth and accountability,” he said.
The anchor cautioned that silencing dissident views might damage democracy, noting that “our democracy is in danger if we allow one-way traffic in balloting.”
He emphasized that his comments were not directed at any political group but at all Nigerians, adding that “this is not a warning to the opposition or the ruling party but to all Nigerians who believe in the development of our nation.”
Okinbaloye revealed that he received reassurances regarding his safety, noting “the ongoing reassurance from the Department of State Services,” and also revealed that “I also received a call from the Honourable Minister who clarified that the intention was not as conveyed.”
Despite the clarification, he warned against the use of inflammatory language, saying “violent rhetoric or suggestive threats are never appropriate responses to dissent in a democratic society,” especially during an election period when “clear and consistent assurances of safety are critical.”
He also stated that such statements could create risks if misinterpreted, warning that “we must not create an environment where such statements can be exploited by those with harmful intentions.”
Reaffirming his stance, Okinbaloye said, “Let me be clear, I’m not afraid, and I will never be intimidated,” adding that journalism “grounded in ethics and global best practices remains a duty to the public, not a concession to power.”
The anchor vowed to continue keeping public authorities accountable, saying, “I will continue to do what I love, asking the necessary questions, holding power to account… If that commitment comes at a cost, so be it.”
The issue erupted after Wike spoke during a media briefing in Abuja, where he responded to Okinbaloye’s comments on a Channels Television show on the African Democratic Congress’s leadership problem and the implications for opposition politics ahead of the 2027 elections.
Okinbaloye had expressed concerns about the likelihood of a one-party state, which the minister dismissed as improper for a journalist.
Wike later clarified that he did not intend physical harm. However, his aide, Lere Olayinka, stated that the minister was reacting to the anchor’s political commentary rather than neutral moderation.
However, Amnesty International Nigeria slammed the minister’s statement, calling it “reckless and violent,” and cautioning that such language could promote attacks on journalists and damage press freedom.
The organization stated that the remark “carries the risk of normalizing violence and encouraging the targeting of journalists for simply doing their jobs,” emphasizing that such comments from public leaders are unacceptable.
