The Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has asked Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to retract a remark he made about Seun Okinbaloye, a journalist with Channels Television.
IBAN is the umbrella body for all independent broadcast
stations in Nigeria.
The group also threatened to boycott all media engagements
organised by the minister if he does not publicly apologise to the journalist.
In a statement signed by Ahmed Ramalan, IBAN chairman; and
Fidelis Duker, acting general secretary; the association expressed concern over
the implications of the comment aired during a live television interview.
On Friday, during a routine media chat, Wike said he was
irked by Okinbaloye’s take on the trajectory of the nation’s democracy while
watching ‘Politics Today’.
“If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot
him,” Wike had said.
He had immediately clarified to the journalists present that
his brief monologue did not literally translate to pulling the trigger on
Okinbaloye.
On Saturday, Lere Olayinka, senior special assistant on
public communications to Wike, said his principal’s comment on Okinbaloye was
“hyperbolic” and had been taken out of context by propagandists.
‘REMARK RISKS INTIMIDATING JOURNALISTS’
In its statement, IBAN said even though the minister later
shared that he did not intend physical harm on the journalist, the utterance
was inappropriate from a public official.
The association said expressions suggesting violence could
be interpreted as intimidation of journalists.
IBAN added that such remarks could contribute to a hostile
environment for media practitioners.
The association noted that Nigeria currently ranks 122 out
of 180 countries on the press freedom index.
It said journalists in the country already face several
challenges, including surveillance, attacks, and arbitrary arrests.
‘RETRACT STATEMENT, APOLOGISE’
IBAN asked Wike to retract his commentary and issue a public
apology to Okinbaloye and the media community.
The association also urged the minister to reaffirm his
commitment to press freedom in line with sections 22 and 39 of the 1999
constitution.
IBAN said failure to comply could lead to a boycott by
independent broadcast stations.
“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 reads.
The association said the measure would be taken to protect
journalists and discourage violent rhetoric against the media.
IBAN added that it remains open to constructive engagement
with public officials.
“We hope the minister will take the necessary corrective
action so that normal coverage can continue without interruption,” the
association said.
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