Seun Okinbaloye, a presenter with Channels Television, has said he will not be intimidated following the controversy surrounding remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Speaking during a live broadcast on Sunday, Okinbaloye expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from civil society groups, viewers, and organisations both within and outside Nigeria.
“I sincerely want to thank civil society organisations, our viewers, for your love and your comments and your solidarity… Your support is deeply appreciated and reinforces our collective commitment to truth and accountability,” he said.
Reacting to the broader implications of the incident, he warned against suppressing dissenting voices, noting that “our democracy is in danger if we allow one way traffic in balloting.”
He clarified that his position was not directed at any political group, stating, “this is not a warning to the opposition or the ruling party, but to all Nigerians who believe in the development of our nation.”
Okinbaloye also revealed that he had received security assurances, citing “the ongoing reassurance from the Department of State Services,” and added that “I also received a call from the Honourable Minister who clarified that the intention was not as conveyed.”
Despite the clarification, he cautioned against the use of inflammatory language, stressing that “violent rhetoric or suggestive threats are never appropriate responses to dissent in a democratic society,” especially during an election season when “clear and consistent assurances of safety are critical.”
He further warned, “we must not create an environment where such statements can be exploited by those with harmful intentions.”
Reaffirming his stance, Okinbaloye declared, “Let me be clear, I’m not afraid, and I will never be intimidated,” adding that journalism “grounded in ethics and global best practices remains a duty to the public, not a concession to power.”
He maintained his commitment to holding leaders accountable, saying, “I will continue to do what I love, asking the necessary questions, holding power to account… If that commitment comes at a cost, so be it.”