The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed deep shock and outrage over a controversial statement allegedly made by Nyesom Wike against Seun Okinbaloye, describing it as reckless, violent, and a direct threat to press freedom in Nigeria.
In a strongly worded statement, the union condemned the Minister’s remark, “If there’s any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” calling it an unacceptable attempt to intimidate and silence the media. According to the NUJ, such comments undermine democratic values and pose a serious danger to the independence of journalism.
The union revealed that it initially withheld its reaction, hoping the Minister would retract the statement and offer an apology. However, the absence of any remorse or clarification, it noted, suggests the comment may have been deliberate rather than a slip of the tongue.
Describing the remark as “incendiary” and troubling, the NUJ warned that statements of this nature from high-ranking officials create a climate of fear for journalists, discouraging critical reporting and eroding public trust in democratic institutions.
The NUJ has therefore demanded an immediate and unreserved apology from Wike, while calling on the Federal Government to unequivocally condemn the statement and take decisive steps to protect journalists across the country.
It further urged media organisations, civil society groups, and democracy advocates to unite in defending press freedom, stressing that the safety of journalists remains essential to sustaining a healthy and open society.
The statement was signed by Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, National President of the NUJ, on April 5, 2026.