Uche Amunike
Lifeandtimes News Writer
Popular Journalist and Channels TV anchor, Seun Okinbaloye, has reacted to the controversy surrounded by the statement made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, stating that he is neither afraid nor intimidated by the remarks, even as he thanked Nigerians and organizations that showed him support.
He made this disclosure during a broadcast on Sunday, where he acknowledged the outpouring of solidarity from viewers, local and international organizations, as well as civil society groups.
His words: ‘I sincerely want to thank civil society organisations, our viewers, for your love and your comments and your solidarity… Your support is deeply appreciated and reinforces our collective commitment to truth and accountability.’
He further stated that democracy could be undermined if dissenting voices are not allowed to speak up, stating that ‘our democracy is in danger if we allow one-way traffic in balloting.’
According to him, his comments were not directed at any political group, but rather to Nigerians, adding that it is not a warning for the opposition or the ruling party, but rather, to every Nigerian who believes in the development of the nation.
Seun Okinbaloye also explained that he already received reassurances concerning his safety from the Department of State Services and further revealed that the Honorable Minister called him to clarify that the intention was not as conveyed.
Even though this clarification was made, he warned against the use of inflammatory language, saying: ‘violent rhetoric, or suggestive threats are never appropriate responses to dissent in a democratic society’, especially during an election period, when clear and consistent assurances of safety are critical.
Such statements, he said, could create risks when misinterpreted, warning that we must not create an environment where such statements can be exploited by those with harmful motives.
As a reaffirmation of his position, Seun Okinbaloye stated: ‘Let me be clear. I’m not afraid and I will never be intimidated. Journalism grounded in ethics and global best practices remains a duty to the public, not a concession to power.’
He mentioned that he would continue to hold public officials accountable and stated: ‘I will continue to do what I love, asking the necessary questions, holding power to account…if that commitment comes at a cost, so be it.’
The controversy played out after Wike made some remarks during a media parley in Abuja, where he reacted to Seun Okinbaloye’s comments during a program on Channels TV, where he discussed the leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its implications for opposition politics ahead of the 2027 election.
Okinbaloye raised concerns about the possibility of a one-party state and the minister criticized his comments, describing it as inappropriate for a journalist.
Even after Wike’s clarification that he did not intend physical harm, his aide, Lere Olayinka, claimed that the remark was made in a hyperbolic context…without intent, stressing that the minister was responding to what he perceived as Seun’s involvement in political commentary, instead of neutral moderation during the program.
He stated: ‘The Minister never meant that he would shoot Seun Okinbaloye. What he meant was that he was angry seeing Okinbaloye descending into the political arena by speaking as an interested party, instead of an interviewer.
Amnesty International Nigeria has however, condemned Wike’s statement, describing it as ‘reckless and violent’ and warned that such language could incite attacks on journalist and undermine the freedom of the press.
