By Constance Adaurie
The Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN), the umbrella body for independent broadcast stations nationwide, has placed an embargo on coverage of all press briefings, media chats, and official events hosted by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, until he fully retracts a controversial statement and issues a public apology.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, IBAN expressed deep concern over remarks made by the Minister during a live media chat on Channels Television on Friday, April 3, 2026.
Reacting to journalist Seun Okinbaloye’s interviewing style on the Politics Today programme, Wike reportedly said: “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.”
Although the Minister later clarified that he did not intend any physical harm, IBAN described the language as inappropriate for a public official, arguing that it could be perceived as intimidation and risks normalising hostility toward the media.
The association noted that Nigeria currently ranks 122 out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index, highlighting the already challenging environment for journalists, who face surveillance, attacks, and arbitrary arrests. It stressed that such rhetoric from a senior government figure further exacerbates these difficulties.
IBAN has given the FCT Minister specific demands:
*A full and clear retraction of the statement.
*A public apology to Mr. Seun Okinbaloye and the broader media community.
*A reaffirmation of his commitment to non-violence and respect for press freedom, in line with Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended).
The statement, signed by Alhaji (Dr.) Ahmed Tijani Ramalan (Chairman) and Fidelis Duker (Acting General Secretary), warned that failure to comply within a reasonable time would leave IBAN with no choice but to direct all member stations to suspend coverage of Wike’s media engagements.
“This is not a step IBAN takes lightly,” the association said. “However, independent broadcasters must protect their personnel and uphold the principle that violent rhetoric will not be normalised or rewarded with platform access.”
IBAN emphasised its commitment to constructive engagement with public officials and expressed hope that the Minister would take corrective action to allow normal coverage to resume.
The development comes amid widespread criticism of Wike’s comment, with Okinbaloye himself stating publicly that he is “not afraid” and will not be intimidated in the performance of his journalistic duties.
