The media team of Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over what it described as a “reckless and alarming” comment directed at journalist and TV host Seun Okinbaloye.

In a statement issued on April 4, 2026, the media office expressed concern over Wike’s remark made during a live television broadcast, where he allegedly suggested he would have shot the journalist over a professional opinion.

According to the statement, such a comment from a serving minister is not only irresponsible but also reflects a growing culture of intolerance and misuse of authority within the government. It stressed that the remark should not be dismissed as a joke, describing it instead as a direct and disturbing threat.

The media office warned that when public officials use violent language against members of the press, it endangers democratic values and undermines freedom of expression.

It further claimed the incident is part of a broader pattern in which criticism is increasingly met with hostility, noting that dissenting voices are often targeted rather than engaged constructively.

Raising concerns about public safety, the office questioned what protection is available for ordinary citizens if a well-known journalist could be openly threatened on national television.

The group called on Wike to issue an unconditional apology to Okinbaloye and the wider media community. It also urged the Federal Government to publicly reject the statement and take concrete steps to ensure the safety of journalists across the country.

It cautioned that failure to respond decisively could deepen fears about rising intolerance and weaken democratic principles.

The statement concluded by stressing that Nigeria must uphold free speech and resist any drift toward intimidation, insisting that the media must remain independent and protected at all times.