By ifeoma Onyekachi

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to issue an immediate apology over his controversial comment suggesting he would have shot a journalist.

The union condemned the remark directed at television journalist Seun Okinbaloye, describing the statement as reckless, inappropriate, and a serious threat to press freedom in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, the NUJ said the minister’s comment appeared to be an attempt to intimidate the media and suppress critical journalism, warning that such rhetoric poses a danger to democratic governance.

The union expressed concern that comments of that nature from a senior government official could create fear among journalists and discourage independent reporting.

Wike had, during a media chat last week, stated that if it were possible, he would have broken his television set and shot Okinbaloye following the journalist’s comments on the dangers of a one-party system of government.

Reacting to the statement, the NUJ said the remark amounted to an unacceptable attempt to intimidate and silence the press, stressing that such comments undermine press freedom and democratic values.

The union explained that it initially refrained from issuing a statement because it expected the minister to retract the comment and apologise publicly. However, the absence of any apology or clarification, it said, suggests the remark may have been deliberate rather than a slip.

According to the NUJ, such statements send a dangerous signal that journalists could face hostility or threats for performing their professional duties, which contradicts the principles of a free and democratic society.

The union therefore demanded an immediate and unreserved apology from Wike for what it described as unacceptable remarks.

It also called on the Federal Government to publicly condemn the statement and reaffirm its commitment to protecting journalists and ensuring media independence.

The NUJ further urged media organisations, civil society groups, and pro-democracy advocates to stand together in defence of press freedom, stressing that the safety of journalists is essential to the survival of democracy.

The union maintained that any attempt to intimidate or silence the media must be strongly resisted to preserve freedom of expression and democratic accountability.