The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has moved to clarify the controversial remark he made about Seun Okinbaloye, which sparked widespread backlash.
Wike had earlier said he would have “broken his TV screen and shot” the journalist after Okinbaloye suggested that a one-party system could harm democracy in Nigeria.
The comment quickly triggered outrage from civil rights groups, including Amnesty International, which described the Minister’s statement as reckless and dangerous.
However, in a statement issued on Saturday by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, the minister insisted that his words were never meant to be taken literally.
According to Olayinka, Wike had already spoken directly with Okinbaloye by phone, and the journalist understood the context of the remark.
The aide explained that the Minister was simply expressing frustration during the discussion, saying Wike felt disappointed that Okinbaloye — a journalist he holds in high regard — appeared to speak like a political participant rather than a neutral interviewer.
Olayinka said the comment was made in a hyperbolic manner, using exaggeration to emphasise a point rather than to threaten violence.
He also noted that during the same live television programme, Wike clarified that he never intended to suggest he would actually harm the journalist.
According to the statement, even the journalists present during the media chat — including Chamberlain Usoh of Channels Television — reportedly laughed after the Minister explained what he meant.
The statement concluded by urging the public not to misinterpret the comment, warning that taking the remark out of context could be used by critics for political propaganda.
It added that the Minister’s words were being deliberately twisted by some individuals seeking to misrepresent the situation for political advantage.
