The Nigerian Guild of Editors and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project petitioned President Bola Tinubu on April 6, 2026. The two organisations called for a prompt, thorough, transparent and effective investigation into a threat made by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike against Channels Television presenter Seun Okinbaloye.
Wike issued the remark during a media chat in Abuja the previous Friday. He reacted to comments Okinbaloye made the day before on the programme Politics Today about concerns that Nigeria could drift toward a one-party state amid the African Democratic Congress leadership crisis.
Wike stated, “I was surprised yesterday. Totally surprised when I was watching Politics Today. Seun, if there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.”
Moreover, Nigerian Guild of Editors President Eze Anaba, General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh and SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare issued the joint statement. They stressed that public officials must accept scrutiny.
They added, “Public figures, including politicians, are subject to a higher degree of scrutiny and criticism.” The groups noted that Okinbaloye exercised his constitutional right to freedom of expression as a journalist.
Additionally, the organisations expressed deep concern over a downward spiral in press freedom. They warned that increasing intimidation, harassment, threats and attacks against journalists undermine democratic accountability.
They declared, “Although Mr Wike has sought to clarify his remarks, the threat should never have been made in the first place. The objective of those who threaten journalists remains the same: to chill public interest reporting by increasing the risks faced by journalists. Such conduct must stop.”
Furthermore, the petitioners urged the Tinubu administration to ensure the safety of Okinbaloye and other journalists. They called on the Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi to address similar threats since May 29, 2023. They also demanded that security agencies investigate the incident and bring any perpetrators to justice.
The groups highlighted a pattern of impunity. They stated that the failure to investigate and prosecute threats against journalists has emboldened those who seek to silence the media.
