Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has addressed the backlash regarding his controversial comment about “shooting” Channels Television anchor Seun Okinbaloye, dismissing the outcry as a misunderstanding fueled by political interests.
Speaking with News Central on Monday, Wike argued that those aware of his personal rapport with the journalist would have recognized the remark as non-literal.
He expressed disappointment over the public reaction, stating:”It’s really unfortunate, you know, in Nigeria, people blow everything out of context, particularly playing politics with everything.”
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The Minister further clarified the nature of the comment as an expression of frustration rather than a threat:“Anybody who knows my relationship with Seun will not begin to rant. So, as you understand, it’s a figure of speech to explain how angry I was.”
Wike also took aim at Okinbaloye’s handling of the situation, suggesting the anchor should have engaged him privately before the issue escalated into a national debate.
He questioned the professional conduct involved, asking:“How could you descend so low as a journalist? Instead of you to ask questions, solicit answers from them, then you can now let the public know what is going on.”
Despite the friction, the Minister insisted that the two have reconciled and that the journalist bears no ill will:“For me, I was talking to him, we have no problem, I’m sure he understands everything.”
The original incident occurred during a media parley in Abuja where Wike criticized Okinbaloye’s analysis of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) crisis and his warnings about a potential one-party state.
While Wike’s aide, Lere Olayinka, defended the language as hyperbolic, organizations like Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the rhetoric as “reckless and violent,” suggesting it could endanger members of the press.
For his part, Okinbaloye confirmed that Wike reached out to clarify his intentions but remained firm on the principle of press freedom, asserting he would not be intimidated and noting that violent language is never an appropriate response to democratic dissent.
