…Threaten boycott of press briefings until compliance
The Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) – the recognised umbrella body representing the interests of all independent broadcast stations across the country – has issued a strong warning to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, demanding a retraction and public apology over a controversial comment directed at a television journalist.
In an issued statement dated April 6, 2026, the association said it may direct its members nationwide to boycott all media engagements involving the minister if he fails to comply within a reasonable timeframe.
The backlash follows comments made by Wike during a live television programme on April 3. Reacting to the interviewing style of journalist, Seun Okinbaloye during a television programme, the Minister said: “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him”.
Although Wike later suggested he did not intend any physical harm, IBAN described the statement as inappropriate and potentially dangerous, especially coming from a senior public official.
IBAN warned that such rhetoric could be interpreted as intimidation and may further endanger journalists already operating under difficult conditions. Citing Nigeria’s ranking of 122 out of 180 countries on the global press freedom index, the association noted that media practitioners continue to face threats ranging from surveillance to arbitrary arrests.
According to the association, statements implying violence—even hypothetically—risk normalising hostility toward the press and undermining democratic accountability.
The association called on Wike to take immediate corrective steps, including: A clear and unambiguous retraction of the statement; A public apology to Okinbaloye and the wider media community, and a reaffirmation of his commitment to press freedom, in line with constitutional provisions.
IBAN warned that failure to meet these demands would trigger a nationwide boycott of the minister’s press briefings, media chats, and official engagements by independent broadcasters. Describing the move as a last resort, the association said it is necessary to protect journalists and uphold professional standards within the media space.
Despite the tension, IBAN expressed willingness to maintain constructive engagement with government officials, urging the minister to act swiftly to prevent further escalation. “The ball is in his court”, the statement concluded.
