It’s Really Unfortunate’ – Wike Speaks On Shooting Threat Against Seun Okinbaloye

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has clarified that his remark threatening to shoot Channels Television news anchor Seun Okinbaloye was intended as a figure of speech. According to Ireporter Online, the comment followed Okinbaloye’s assertion on the programme Politics Today that a one-party system could undermine democracy in Nigeria.

Wike’s response, in which he said he would have “broken his TV screen and shot” Okinbaloye, sparked widespread criticism from political figures, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, broadcasters, Amnesty International, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Speaking on News Central on Monday, Wike explained that his statement was a reflection of frustration and regretted how it was interpreted.

“It’s really unfortunate, you know, in Nigeria people blow everything out of context, particularly playing politics with everything,” Wike said. He added that anyone familiar with his relationship with Okinbaloye would understand that the remark was figurative. “It’s a figure of speech that explains how angry I was. I’ve spoken to him; we have no problem. He said he understands everything.”

Meanwhile, the Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has called on Wike to retract the statement. In a statement signed by Chairman Ahmed Ramalan and Acting General Secretary Fidelis Duker, the association warned it might boycott all media engagements organised by the minister if a public apology is not issued, citing concerns over the implications of the remark aired during a live television interview.