Atiku's Camp Slams Wike, Warns of 'Authoritarian Drift' Under Tinubu
The Atiku Media Office has issued a forceful condemnation of what it labels a "disgraceful and dangerous" threat made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, against journalist and broadcaster Seun Okinbaloye. In a statement released on April 4, 2026, the media office described Wike's remark on live television—where he suggested he would have shot the journalist over a professional opinion—as reckless and deeply troubling.
Chilling Indication of Government Intolerance
The statement emphasized that for a serving minister to publicly make such a statement is not merely irresponsible but serves as a chilling indication of how far the current government has drifted into intolerance, lawlessness, and abuse of power. It clarified that this was not a joke or banter but a clear, direct, and deeply disturbing threat that poses a direct threat to democracy and freedom of expression.
Broader Pattern of Hostility and Intimidation
The Atiku Media Office argued that this incident reflects a broader pattern within the Tinubu administration, where dissent is increasingly met with hostility and intimidation. It noted that Wike's outburst is part of a worrying trend where criticism is treated as a crime and opposing voices are targeted. The office raised serious questions about the implications for press freedom and public safety, asking, "If a prominent journalist can be threatened so openly on national television, what protection exists for ordinary Nigerians?"
Calls for Action and Warnings
In response, the media office called for:
- An unconditional public apology from Wike to Okinbaloye and the media community.
- A clear repudiation of the statement by the Federal Government.
- Concrete assurances for the safety and protection of journalists across Nigeria.
It warned that failure to act would reinforce concerns about growing intolerance of dissent and the erosion of democratic norms. The statement concluded with a stark warning: "Nigeria must not slide into a culture where intimidation replaces dialogue. The press must remain free, and truth must not be silenced by threats, regardless of the source."
