Issued: April 5, 2026
Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) strongly condemns the deeply troubling and unacceptable remarks reportedly made by the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, during a recent media chat, in which he threatened violence against a journalist, Mr. Seun Okinbaloye of Channels Television.
In the reported statement, the Minister suggested that if it were possible, he would have dragged the journalist out of a television screen and shot him over comments made regarding concerns about Nigeria drifting towards a one-party state. This statement is not only shocking but also profoundly dangerous.
Such rhetoric, coming from a senior public official entrusted with the responsibility of governance and public safety, is wholly inappropriate and constitutes a grave threat to democratic norms, freedom of expression, and media independence. It sends a chilling signal to journalists and citizens alike, suggesting that dissenting opinions may be met with intimidation or violence.
Nigeria’s democracy rests on the foundation of open dialogue, tolerance of criticism, and respect for fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and of the press. Public officials, particularly those occupying high office, bear a heightened responsibility to uphold these values—not undermine them.
PLAC is particularly concerned that this statement was made in a publicly funded forum. Media engagements sponsored with public resources should serve as platforms for accountability and constructive engagement—not venues for threats and intemperate outbursts.
In light of the above, PLAC calls on the Honourable Minister to:
- Immediately retract his statement in clear and unequivocal terms;
- Tender a public apology to Mr. Seun Okinbaloye, Channels Television, and Nigerians at large;
- Commit to upholding democratic values, including respect for media freedom and the right to dissent.
We also call on all public office holders to exercise restraint, responsibility, and respect in public communication. The normalization of violent rhetoric in political discourse poses a serious risk to Nigeria’s democratic stability and civic space.
PLAC stands in solidarity with journalists and media institutions who continue to play a critical role in promoting accountability, transparency, and informed public discourse in Nigeria.
Nigeria must not descend into a climate where those who speak, question, or critique are threatened into silence.
Signed:
Policy & Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC)
