Foundation Demands Public Apology from Wike Over Alleged Threat to Journalist
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is facing intense criticism and demands for a public apology following an alleged threat directed at television journalist Seun Okinbaloye. The Glide Media Foundation has issued a strongly worded statement calling for immediate and unreserved action, describing the remark attributed to Wike as reckless, alarming, and unacceptable.
Strong Condemnation from Glide Media Foundation
In a statement released on Monday by Favour Ekwe, the Foundation expressed deep concern that a public official of Wike's stature could be linked to statements perceived as endorsing violence against a media member. The statement warned that such rhetoric poses a direct threat to press freedom and democratic values in Nigeria, undermining the rule of law and eroding public confidence in governance.
The reported statement is not only dangerous but represents a direct assault on press freedom and democratic norms, the statement read. It is unacceptable for any public official to resort to threats of violence, particularly against members of the media.
Journalists as Cornerstones of Democracy
The Glide Media Foundation emphasized that journalists are a cornerstone of democratic society, serving as watchdogs who hold leaders accountable and keep citizens informed. It firmly rejected any attempt to portray media practitioners as adversaries of the state, stressing their constitutional role.
Journalists are not enemies of the state. They are constitutionally empowered to question authority and inform the public. Journalism is not a crime, and no journalist should ever be threatened, bullied, or silenced for doing their job, the statement added.
Wider Implications for Press Freedom
The Foundation further warned that inflammatory remarks by public officials, if left unchecked, could embolden further acts of intimidation against journalists and create a chilling effect across the media landscape. Observers note that concerns over journalist safety in Nigeria have persisted in recent years, with media organizations and civil society groups repeatedly calling for stronger protections and accountability mechanisms.
Incidents involving harassment, intimidation, and attacks on journalists have continued to draw both local and international attention, raising serious questions about the health of press freedom in the country. Against this backdrop, the Foundation stated that the alleged threat by Wike reflects a troubling pattern that must be decisively addressed to prevent further deterioration of democratic norms.
This kind of conduct reflects a disturbing disregard for the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent that could encourage further hostility towards journalists. Nigeria's democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere where members of the press are intimidated into silence, it stated.
Calls for Action and Accountability
The organization called on relevant authorities to act swiftly, urging law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies to ensure that journalists can carry out their duties without fear of harassment or harm. It also stressed that public office holders must lead by example, exercising restraint in their language and respecting fundamental rights guaranteed under the constitution, including freedom of expression and of the press.
The safety of journalists must be guaranteed at all times, and those who attempt to undermine press freedom must be held accountable. Enough is enough, the statement concluded.
As reactions continue to trail this development, media stakeholders say the incident has once again highlighted the delicate balance between power and accountability in Nigeria's democracy, underscoring the need for sustained vigilance in the protection of press freedom.
