NUJ Demands Apology, Urges Federal Government to Act Over Wike’s Threat to Journalist

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned what it described as a reckless and threatening remark made by Nyesom Wike against Seun Okinbaloye, calling for an immediate apology and decisive government action.

In a media release signed by its National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, the union expressed shock over the minister’s statement: “If there’s anyway to break the screen, I would have shot him.” The NUJ described the comment as a direct attempt to intimidate the press and undermine democratic principles.

The union noted that it had initially delayed responding, hoping the minister would retract the statement and show remorse. However, the absence of any apology or clarification, it said, suggests the remark was deliberate rather than a slip.

According to the NUJ, such comments from a senior government official risk creating a hostile environment for journalists and send a troubling signal that critical reporting could attract threats or violence.

The body therefore demanded an immediate and unreserved apology from the minister and urged the Federal Government to publicly condemn the statement. It stressed the need for concrete measures to protect journalists and uphold media independence in Nigeria.

The NUJ also called on media organisations, civil society groups, and democracy advocates to stand united against what it termed a blatant attack on press freedom, emphasizing that the safety of journalists remains central to sustaining a democratic society.