The Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has threatened to boycott all press briefings and media events hosted by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following his controversial remarks threatening to shoot Channels Television broadcaster Seun Okinbaloye.
During a live interview on April 3, Wike stated, “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” referring to Okinbaloye’s interview style. IBAN described the statement as violent and intimidating, warning that such rhetoric from a senior public official could normalize hostility toward journalists.
In a statement signed by Chairman Ahmed Ramalan and Acting General Secretary Fidelis Duker, IBAN demanded a full retraction and a public apology to Okinbaloye and the media community.
The association highlighted that Nigeria ranks 122 out of 180 countries on the Press Freedom Index, noting that journalists already face surveillance, attacks, and arbitrary arrests.
IBAN stressed that the minister must reaffirm his commitment to non-violence and respect for press freedom, consistent with Sections 22 and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution.
Failure to comply, the association said, would compel independent broadcasters to suspend coverage of all FCT ministerial events.
“This is not a step IBAN takes lightly. Independent broadcasters must protect their personnel and uphold the principle that violent rhetoric will not be normalized or rewarded with platform access,” the statement concluded.
