The Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has called on Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, to publicly apologise to Seun Okinbaloye following a controversial remark made during a live television discussion.

IBAN, the umbrella body for independent broadcast stations in Nigeria, warned that it may boycott all media engagements organised by the minister if he fails to retract his statement and issue an apology.

The controversy stems from comments made by Wike during a routine media chat, where he expressed frustration over Okinbaloye’s analysis on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television. Wike had said that if it were possible, he would have “shot” the journalist—though he immediately clarified that the remark was not meant literally.

In response, Wike’s aide, Lere Olayinka, described the statement as hyperbolic and taken out of context.
However, IBAN, in a statement signed by its chairman Ahmed Ramalan and acting general secretary Fidelis Duker, expressed concern over the implications of such language, especially coming from a public official.

The association noted that even if not intended as a threat, remarks suggesting violence could be perceived as intimidation and contribute to a hostile environment for journalists. It added that media practitioners in Nigeria already operate under challenging conditions, including harassment, surveillance, and arbitrary arrests.

Citing Nigeria’s ranking on the global press freedom index, IBAN stressed the importance of responsible communication by public officials and urged Wike to reaffirm his commitment to press freedom as guaranteed under the constitution.

The association warned that failure to comply within a reasonable timeframe would result in its members suspending coverage of all press briefings and official engagements involving the FCT minister.

IBAN stated that such action would be necessary to safeguard journalists and discourage rhetoric that could undermine media freedom, while also expressing openness to constructive dialogue to resolve the issue.