The Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to retract a controversial remark he made about Seun Okinbaloye, a presenter with Channels Television.
In a strongly worded statement jointly signed by IBAN Chairman, Ahmed Ramalan, and Acting General Secretary, Fidelis Duker, the association condemned the minister’s comments and demanded a public apology.
IBAN also threatened to boycott all media engagements involving the minister should he fail to comply within a reasonable timeframe. According to the statement, member stations may be advised to suspend coverage of press briefings, media chats, and official news conferences hosted by the FCT minister.
The controversy stems from remarks attributed to Wike, in which he reportedly said he would have “broken his TV screen and shot” Okinbaloye over comments made by the journalist suggesting that a one-party system could undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
The statement further urged the minister to reaffirm his commitment to press freedom, citing Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression and the role of the media in holding government accountable.
The remarks have since drawn widespread condemnation, including from Amnesty International, which described the comments as “reckless and violent language.”
As of the time of this report, the FCT minister has not issued an official response to IBAN’s demands.
