•Wike and Okinbaloye
Channels Television anchor, Seun Okinbaloye, has fired back at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, declaring that he is not afraid and will not be intimidated following the minister’s controversial “shoot” remark.
Okinbaloye spoke yesterday as he addressed the backlash that followed the minister’s comment, which has continued to generate widespread reactions.
The controversy erupted after Nyesom Wike reacted during a media chat to remarks made by the anchor on his programme Politics Today, where he cautioned that a one-party system could pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
In his reaction, the minister was quoted as saying: “If there was any way to break the screen (of the television), I would have shot him.”
The statement drew widespread condemnation, including from Amnesty International, which criticized the minister for using what it described as “reckless and violent language” capable of normalising attacks on journalists.
Okinbaloye, however, reaffirmed his position, stressing that the risks of a one-party system must not be ignored and that democratic principles should be safeguarded.
“Our democracy is in danger if we allow one-way traffic in balloting,” he said, noting that his comments were aimed at all Nigerians, not any specific political group.
He further disclosed that the minister later reached out to clarify his statement, but maintained that threats or violent rhetoric have no place in a democratic society, adding that he remains committed to asking tough questions and holding those in power accountable.
