Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has called on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to retract remarks he made about Channels TV host Seun Okinbaloye and issue a public apology.

 

The association, which represents independent broadcast stations in Nigeria, warned it could boycott all media engagements involving the minister if he fails to comply. In a statement signed by IBAN chairman Ahmed Ramalan and acting general secretary Fidelis Duker, the group expressed concern over comments Wike made during a live television interview.

 

During the media chat, the minister reacted to Okonkwo’s analysis on democracy, saying: “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.”

 

Although Wike later clarified that the comment was not meant literally, IBAN said such statements are inappropriate for a public official. The association warned that remarks suggesting violence could be interpreted as intimidation and contribute to a hostile environment for journalists.

 

It also highlighted the broader challenges faced by media practitioners in Nigeria, noting that the country ranks 122 out of 180 on the global press freedom index, with journalists facing issues such as surveillance, attacks, and arbitrary arrests.

 

IBAN urged the minister to retract the statement and apologise to both Okinbaloye and the wider media community, while reaffirming his commitment to press freedom as outlined in sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 constitution.

 

“Should the minister fail to meet these requests within a reasonable period, IBAN will have no choice but to advise all independent broadcast stations to suspend coverage of all press briefings, media chats, and official news conferences hosted by the FCT minister,” the statement said.

 

The group added that the proposed action is aimed at protecting journalists and discouraging the use of violent rhetoric, while noting it remains open to constructive engagement with public officials.