By Chimezie Godfrey
The Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN)as called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to retract what it described as an inappropriate remark directed at journalist Seun Okinbaloye, warning that failure to do so may result in a boycott of his media engagements.
In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Alhaji (Dr.) Ahmed Tijani Ramalan, and Acting General Secretary, Fidelis Duker, IBAN expressed concern over a comment made by the Minister during a live programme on Channels Television on April 3, where he said, “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” in reference to Okinbaloye’s interviewing style on Politics Today.
The association noted that although the Minister later clarified that he did not intend physical harm, such remarks—whether hypothetical or not—are inappropriate for a public office holder and could be perceived as intimidation.
Citing Nigeria’s ranking of 122 out of 180 countries on the global Press Freedom Index, IBAN said journalists already operate under challenging conditions, including surveillance, attacks, and arbitrary arrests.
The body therefore demanded a full retraction of the statement, a public apology to Okinbaloye and the media community, and a reaffirmation of commitment to press freedom in line with Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
IBAN warned that failure to comply within a reasonable time would compel it to direct its members to boycott all press briefings and media engagements involving the FCT Minister.
“This is not a step IBAN takes lightly, but independent broadcasters must protect their personnel and uphold professional standards,” the statement added.
The association expressed hope that the Minister would take corrective action to enable continued constructive engagement.