CITIZENS COMPASS— A popular anchor with Channels Television, Seun Okinbaloye, yesterday, reacted to a threat by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, following a threat issued to him.
Okinbaloye said he would not be intimidated following the remarks by the minister.
Speaking during a broadcast on the television, Okinbaloye thanked civil society groups, viewers, and both local and international organisations for standing by him.
According to him: “I sincerely want to thank civil society organisations, our viewers, for your love and your comments and your solidarity… Your support is deeply appreciated and reinforces our collective commitment to truth and accountability,” he said.
Addressing concerns surrounding the incident, he warned that silencing dissenting voices could weaken democratic values, noting that “our democracy is in danger if we allow one way traffic in balloting.
“This is not a warning to the opposition or the ruling party, but to all Nigerians who believe in the development of our nation.
“I also received a call from the Honourable Minister who clarified that the intention was not as conveyed.
“Violent rhetoric or threats are never appropriate responses to dissent in a democratic society,” particularly during an election period when “clear and consistent assurances of safety are critical.”
“Let me be clear, I’m not afraid, and I will never be intimidated,” adding that journalism “grounded in ethics and global best practices remains a duty to the public, not a concession to power.
“I will continue to do what I love, asking the necessary questions, holding power to account… If that commitment comes at a cost, so be it,” he added.
The controversy followed comments made by Wike during a media briefing in Abuja, where he reacted to Okinbaloye’s remarks on a programme discussing the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its implications for opposition politics ahead of the 2027 elections.
Okinbaloye had raised concerns about the possibility of a one-party state, a view the minister criticised as inappropriate for a journalist.
Although Wike later clarified that he did not intend any physical harm, his aide, Lere Olayinka, said the remarks were made “in a hyperbolic context… without intent,” explaining that the minister was responding to what he perceived as political commentary rather than neutral moderation.
Wike came under intense criticism from civil society organisations, media groups and opposition figures over the controversial remark in which he said he would have “shot” Okinbaloye during a live broadcast.
Meanwhile, the Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria has effectively barred Wike from appearing on privately owned television stations following the threat.
