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The Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have “strongly condemned the threat reported by Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), against Channels Television presenter Seun Okinbaloye” and urged “the government of President Bola Tinubu to promptly, thoroughly, transparently and effectively investigate the threat”.
The groups called on Tinubu’s government to “urgently take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of Mr Okinbaloye and other journalists who face threats to their safety solely for peacefully exercising their human rights and carrying out their legitimate journalistic work.”
Mr Wike, during a media chat in Abuja last Friday, said: “I was surprised yesterday (Thursday); totally surprised while watching Politics Today. Seun (Okinbaloye), if there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.”
Okinbaloye had expressed concern that the 2027 elections were increasingly shaping up as a contest dominated by a single political party, citing the reported crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), but Wike said that as a journalist, Okinbaloye should not express personal opinions.
In reaction, NGE and SERAP said: “We are gravely concerned that press freedom is in a ‘downward spiral’, with increasing intimidation, harassment, threats and attacks against journalists and media freedom across the country.”
The groups said: “Public figures, including politicians, are subject to a higher level of scrutiny and criticism. The threat against Mr Okinbaloye illustrates the growing threats to the safety of journalists and media freedom in the country.”
According to the groups, “Like every individual, Okinbaloye has the right to exercise his right to freedom of expression as a fundamental human right, including the right to seek, receive and disseminate information of public interest. His role as a journalist does not diminish or deprive him of this right.”
The statement jointly signed by NGE President, Eze Anaba, and Secretary General, Onuoha Ukeh; and SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare read in part: “The right to freedom of expression applies to all types of information and ideas, including those that may shock, offend or disturb.”
“Any form of attempt to force one to hold or not hold any opinion is prohibited.”
“Although Mr. Wike attempted to clarify his remarks, the threat should never have been made in the first place. The goal of those who threaten journalists remains the same: to chill public interest reporting by increasing the risks faced by journalists. Such conduct undermines press freedom and democratic accountability. This must stop.”
“The continued failure of Nigerian authorities to defend press freedom and to effectively investigate and prosecute growing cases of threats and attacks against journalists has emboldened those who wish to silence them.”
“The failure also reflects broader impunity for human rights abuses and disregard for the rule of law in Nigeria.”
“Impunity for those who threaten, intimidate and harass journalists and media organizations contributes to a hostile environment for these human rights defenders. Nigerian authorities must end impunity for crimes against journalists”
“We note that restrictions on civic space, human rights violations and repression of the press in recent times take various forms ranging from extrajudicial to unlawful detentions, enforced disappearances, malicious prosecutions and illegitimate use of both legislation and law enforcement.”
“We are concerned that security agencies and politicians continue to target journalists with lawsuits, usually for slander or defamation, seeking exorbitant damages. Known as strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP), the purpose of the lawsuit is not necessarily to win the case but to intimidate or exhaust the resources and morale of the other party.”
“In August 2024 alone, at least fifty-six (56) journalists were attacked or arrested while covering demonstrations across the country. According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Nigeria dropped 10 places to 122nd place in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index.”
“The Nigerian Constitution of 1999 [as amended] and human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to which Nigeria is a state party, guarantee the right to freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
“Article 39 of the Nigerian Constitution provides that every person has the right to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference. It also states the right to own, establish and operate media outlets for the dissemination of information.”
“Section 22 places a duty on the press, radio, television and other media to uphold accountability by holding the government accountable to the people.”
“The Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law protect criticism of public officials and political reporting, including political speeches, comments on public affairs and discussion of human rights.”
“The media plays a crucial role in exposing abuses of power and human rights violations, thus helping to ensure that the public is informed, that abuses are stopped, that criminals are brought to justice and that victims can seek compensation.”
“The free communication of information and ideas on public and political issues is essential. This involves a free press and other media capable of commenting on public issues without censorship or restriction and informing the public.”
“The right to information is a goal of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the safety of journalists is an indicator of success.”
“The UN Plan of Action defines the safety of journalists as including not only physical attacks but also prosecution, arrest, imprisonment and denial of journalistic access, as well as impunity for crimes against journalists.”
NGE and SERAP therefore urged President Tinubu and his government to:
. Publicly direct relevant law enforcement and security agencies to promptly, thoroughly, transparently and effectively investigate threats and attacks against Seun Okinbaloye and other journalists solely to do their jobs and to ensure that any officials or other actors found responsible are admonished, disciplined or prosecuted.
. Publicly reiterate your support for media freedom and take decisive action against those who seek to undermine it, and pay particular attention to promoting independent, diverse and vigorous media.
. Publicly direct Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to cooperate with appropriate law enforcement and security agencies to promptly, thoroughly, transparently and effectively investigate all threats and attacks against journalists and media organizations from 29 May 2023 and bring to justice those suspected of being responsible.
. Ensure access to justice and effective remedies for journalists and other media workers whose human rights are violated.
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