Seun Okinbaloye Replies Wike Over Threats

Seun Okinbaloye, a prominent anchor with Channels Television, has firmly stated that he is not intimidated by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, despite the minister’s controversial remark suggesting that he would have “broken the TV screen and shot” him.

Okinbaloye made this declaration on Sunday in response to the public uproar caused by Wike’s statement.

The remark came during a media interaction when Okinbaloye had voiced concerns on his programme Politics Today, warning that a one-party system in Nigeria would undermine the country’s democracy.

Wike reportedly responded with anger, stating: “If there was any way to break the screen (of the television), I would have shot him.”

This comment drew widespread criticism, including from Amnesty International, which accused Wike of using “reckless and violent language” that could incite attacks on journalists.

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In his Sunday response, Okinbaloye reaffirmed his concerns about the threat a one-party system poses to democracy and condemned the use of violent language in any form of political discourse.

“The fact remains that our democracy is in danger if we allow one-way traffic in balloting,” he remarked.

He clarified that his warning was not aimed at the opposition or the ruling party, but was directed at all Nigerians who care about the progress of the nation.

Okinbaloye also shared that he received a phone call from the minister, during which Wike explained that his comment was not intended as it had been perceived.

“While that is noted, it is important that violent rhetoric or threats are never appropriate responses to dissent in a democratic society,” he stated.

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Okinbaloye made it clear: “Let me be clear: I am not afraid and I will never be intimidated. We may disagree and as humans we may err, but dissent must never descend into hostility or harm.”

He added, “I will continue to do what I love, asking the necessary questions and holding power to account.”

“Journalism is what we need to make democracy work.”
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“News is what somebody somewhere wants to suppress; all the rest is advertising.”
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“Journalism can never be silent: that is its greatest virtue and its greatest fault.”
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“The duty of a journalist is to convey the truth as clearly and fully as possible.”
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“Good journalism is about results. It is about affecting your community or your society in the most progressive way.”
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“Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed; everything else is public relations.”
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“A free press is not a privilege but an organic necessity in a great society.”
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“The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.”
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“Journalism without a moral position is impossible.”
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“The function of journalism is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.”
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