Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has denied issuing any threat against Seun Okinbaloye, insisting his controversial remark during a recent media chat was purely figurative.
The former Rivers State governor came under scrutiny after reacting to comments made by Okinbaloye on Politics Today, where he criticised the trajectory of Nigeria’s democracy.
During the media session, Wike had said: “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.” The statement quickly sparked backlash, with some interpreting it as a direct threat.
However, speaking on Tuesday, Wike clarified that his words were misinterpreted and taken out of context.
“I didn’t say I would kill him,” he said. “I was speaking figuratively. I was expressing frustration at what I saw as a decline in professional standards.”
According to him, his reaction was driven by disappointment in the quality of questioning, which he believes strayed from objective journalism.
Wike argued that his comment about breaking the television set could not reasonably be interpreted as a threat to life.
“How can you break a TV and kill someone?” he queried, dismissing the outrage as politically motivated.
His aide, Lere Olayinka, had earlier described the remark as “hyperbolic”, accusing critics of deliberately distorting the minister’s words.
Wike further alleged that political opponents were amplifying the controversy, referencing former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
“What do you expect? Someone who believes I made him lose an election cannot be happy with me,” he said.
The minister also used the opportunity to call on journalists to uphold professional standards and ensure their reports are accurate and defensible.
“If you believe what you are saying is correct, stand firm,” he advised. “But don’t publish what you cannot defend.”
He expressed optimism that the Nigerian media would improve if practitioners adhere strictly to ethical responsibilities.
