Outrage!” – Nigeria Union Of Journalists Slams Wike Over Comment On Channels TV Reporter

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, the union expressed shock over the remark, warning that it poses a threat to press freedom and the safety of journalists.

The reaction followed Wike’s comment during a media engagement, where he said, “If there’s anyway to break the screen, I would have shot him.”

According to the NUJ, such a statement amounts to intimidation and an attempt to silence the media. The union noted that it had initially held back from responding, expecting the minister to retract the comment and apologise.

However, it said the lack of any apology or clarification suggests the statement may have been intentional.

The NUJ warned that remarks of this nature from a senior public official could foster a hostile environment for journalists carrying out their duties, adding that it sends a troubling message that critical reporting could attract threats or aggression.

The union further stated that the comment undermines democratic values and the independence of the media, and it called on Wike to issue an immediate and unconditional apology.

It also urged the Federal Government to condemn the remark and take concrete steps to ensure the safety and protection of journalists nationwide.

In addition, the NUJ appealed to media organisations, civil society groups, and democracy advocates to unite in defending press freedom, stressing that the protection of journalists is vital to sustaining democracy.

The controversy stems from Wike’s reaction to comments made by Okinbaloye on Politics Today on Channels Television, where the anchor raised concerns about Nigeria potentially moving toward a one-party system, particularly in light of the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress after its leadership was derecognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Wike, however, accused the journalist of bias and responded with the controversial statement during a subsequent media briefing.