The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have condemned reported threats made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, against Channels Television journalist Seun Okinbaloye.
The groups have called on President Bola Tinubu to order an immediate and transparent investigation into the matter.
In a joint statement, the organizations urged the federal government to prioritize the safety and security of Okinbaloye and other journalists facing intimidation.
They warned that press freedom in Nigeria is currently in a downward spiral characterized by harassment and attacks on media professionals
The condemnation follows remarks made by Minister Wike during a media chat last Friday.
Wike expressed anger over Okinbaloye’s commentary on Politics Today, stating he would have shot him if it were possible to reach through the television screen.
The presenter had been discussing concerns regarding the 2027 elections potentially being dominated by a single political party.
Reacting to the incident, the NGE and SERAP emphasized that public officials must be subject to scrutiny and criticism.
They stressed that Okinbaloye, like every citizen, possesses the right to freedom of expression, which includes seeking and imparting information on matters of public interest.
The organizations noted that while Wike later attempted to clarify his statement, such threats contribute to a climate of fear designed to discourage public interest journalism.
They further criticized the persistent failure of Nigerian authorities to investigate and prosecute attacks against journalists, arguing that this trend fosters a culture of impunity.
The statement, jointly signed by NGE President Eze Anaba, General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh, and SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, read in part: “The right to freedom of expression applies to all kinds of information and ideas, including those that may shock, offend, or disturb. 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.”
Citing data from Reporters Without Borders, the groups pointed out that Nigeria dropped 10 places to 122nd position in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index.
They also highlighted that at least 56 journalists were assaulted or arrested while covering demonstrations in August 2024 alone.
The statement reminded the government that Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of expression, while Section 22 places a duty on the media to uphold accountability.
The groups concluded by calling on President Tinubu to direct the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and security agencies to investigate all threats against journalists since May 29, 2023, and ensure that perpetrators face justice.