By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
The Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has demanded that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, retract his comments against journalist Seun Okinbaloye and issue a public apology, according to a report by TheCable.
IBAN also threatened to boycott all press briefings organised by Wike if he fails to meet the demand.
The threat follows Wike’s statement that he could “shoot” Okinbaloye while criticising the journalist’s opinion on a television programme. Wike later clarified that he did not mean the remark literally.
The association said that despite the subsequent clarification, such language is unbecoming of a public official, as it could intimidate journalists and further worsen the already challenging environment in which they operate.
IBAN urged the minister to retract his statement, tender an apology, and demonstrate support for press freedom, warning that failure to do so would lead them to suspend coverage of all his official activities.
