Wike: “I Meant No Harm” — Minister Clarifies ‘Threat’ To TV Host

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has clarified remarks made during a recent media chat on Channels Television, stating that his comments were figurative and not intended as a threat.

According to reports, the clarification was conveyed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, in a statement issued on Saturday. He explained that the minister’s comments during an interview with television anchor Seun Okinbaloye had been widely misinterpreted.

Olayinka noted that the minister did not intend any harm toward the presenter, emphasizing that the remark was an expression of frustration conveyed through exaggeration. He further disclosed that both parties had since spoken and reached a mutual understanding regarding the context of the statement.

The aide explained that the minister’s reaction stemmed from disappointment, as he holds the journalist in high regard but believed his line of questioning reflected a political bias rather than journalistic neutrality.

He stressed that the comment was made in a hyperbolic context and should not be taken literally, adding that the minister had already clarified his position during the live broadcast. It was also gathered that members of the interview panel, including Chamberlain Uzor, understood the context of the remark at the time.

Olayinka cautioned against attempts to distort the statement for political purposes, warning that taking the comment out of context would amount to deliberate misrepresentation. He urged the public to disregard efforts to use the remark as a tool for propaganda or blackmail, insisting that the minister’s position had been clearly explained during the programme.