The Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to retract a controversial statement and issue a public apology, warning it may boycott his official media engagements if he fails to comply.
In a statement issued on Monday, IBAN expressed concern over remarks made by the minister during a live programme on Channels Television on April 3, 2026. During the broadcast, Wike was quoted as saying of journalist Seun Okinbaloye: “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” in reaction to the journalist’s interviewing style on the Politics Today programme.
Although the minister later clarified that he did not intend physical harm, IBAN described the comment as inappropriate for a public official, noting that expressions suggesting violence—whether hypothetical or not—could be perceived as intimidation and contribute to hostility against the media.
The association further highlighted concerns over press freedom in Nigeria, citing challenges such as harassment, attacks, and arbitrary arrests faced by journalists. It warned that statements of such nature from senior government officials could worsen the operating environment for media practitioners.
IBAN therefore urged the minister to formally withdraw the remark, apologise to Okinbaloye and the wider media community, and reaffirm his commitment to press freedom in line with constitutional provisions.
The association warned that failure to comply within a reasonable timeframe could lead to a directive for all independent broadcast stations to suspend coverage of the minister’s press briefings, media chats, and official engagements.
“This is not a step IBAN takes lightly, but it is necessary to protect media professionals and uphold standards that reject violent rhetoric,” the statement said.
IBAN added that it remains open to constructive engagement with public officials and expressed hope that the minister would take corrective action to avoid disruption in media coverage.
The statement was signed by IBAN Chairman, Ahmed Tijani Ramalan, and Acting General Secretary, Fidelis Duker.
