The Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have condemned the alleged threat issued by FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, against Channels Television journalist Seun Okinbaloye, urging President Bola Tinubu to order a swift and transparent investigation.
In a joint statement, the groups called on the Federal Government to guarantee the safety of Okinbaloye and other journalists, warning that press freedom in Nigeria is in a “downward spiral” driven by intimidation, harassment, and attacks.
The backlash follows Wike’s remarks during a recent media chat, where he reacted angrily to comments made by Okinbaloye on Politics Today, stating he was “surprised” and would have “shot him” if it were possible to break through the television screen.
Responding, NGE and SERAP stressed that public officials must be open to scrutiny, noting that Okinbaloye, like every citizen, has the right to freedom of expression and to share information on issues of public concern.
They acknowledged Wike’s later clarification but insisted the statement should never have been made, warning it contributes to a climate of fear intended to silence public interest journalism and weaken democratic accountability.
The groups also faulted Nigerian authorities for failing to investigate and prosecute attacks against journalists, saying this has emboldened perpetrators and encouraged impunity.
Part of the statement read: “The right to freedom of expression applies to all kinds of information and ideas, including those that may shock, offend or disturb.
“Any form of effort to coerce the holding or not holding of any opinion is prohibited.
“Although Mr Wike has sought to clarify his remarks, the threat should never have been made in the first place.
The objective of those who threaten journalists remains the same: to chill public interest reporting by increasing the risks faced by journalists. Such conduct undermines press freedom and democratic accountability. This must stop.
“The continuing failure by the Nigerian authorities to uphold press freedom and to effectively investigate and prosecute the growing cases of threats and attacks against journalists has emboldened those who wish to silence them.
“The failure also reflects wider impunity for human rights violations and disregard for the rule of law in Nigeria.”
They added: “Impunity for those who threaten, intimidate and harass journalists and media organisations contributes to the hostile environment for these human rights defenders. Nigerian authorities must end impunity for crimes against journalists.”
Citing data from Reporters Without Borders, the organisations noted that Nigeria dropped to 122nd position in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, with at least 56 journalists reportedly assaulted or arrested while covering protests in August 2024.
They emphasised that both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights laws guarantee freedom of expression and press freedom, urging the government to ensure accountability, protect journalists, and uphold democratic values.