The Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has asked Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike to apologise and withdraw a remark he made about Channels Television anchor Seun Okinbaloye.
The association made the demand in a statement signed by its chairman Ahmed Ramalan and acting general secretary Fidelis Duker.
IBAN stated that the minister should issue a public apology to the journalist and the media, and restate his commitment to press freedom in line with sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution.
Minister Wike had said he would have “broken his TV screen and shot” Okinbaloye over comments on a one-party system and democracy during a media chat in Abuja.
Although the minister later clarified that the remark was not intended as a threat, IBAN said such statements should not be made by public officials.
The association said remarks suggesting violence could be interpreted as intimidation and may affect the work of journalists.
The comment has drawn reactions from different groups, including Amnesty International, which criticised the statement.
IBAN said failure to withdraw the remark and apologise could lead to further action.
“Should the minister fail to meet these requests within a reasonable period, IBAN will have no choice but to advise all independent broadcast stations to suspend coverage of all press briefings, media chats, and official news conferences hosted by the FCT minister,” the statement said.
The association said it remains open to engagement with public officials.
