Seun Akinbaloye: Broadcasters demand apology from FCT minister

The Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has demanded a public apology from the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, over remarks made on Channels Television’s Seun Okinbaloye.

IBAN also warned that its members may boycott the minister’s media engagements if he does not retract the statement and make a public apology.

The request is contained in a statement jointly signed by the IBAN president, Ahmed Ramalan, and the interim general secretary, Fidelis Duker.

The controversy followed comments reportedly made by Wike, in which he said he would react strongly to Okinbaloye’s remarks on the dangers of a one-party system in Nigeria.

The statement drew widespread criticism, with Amnesty International Nigeria describing the remarks as reckless and warning that such language could threaten press freedom and the safety of journalists.

IBAN urged the FCT Minister to reaffirm his commitment to freedom of the press in accordance with sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee the role of the media and freedom of expression.

The association warned that failure to comply within a reasonable time could lead to the suspension of coverage by independent broadcasters of all press conferences, media chats and official press conferences organized by the FCT minister.