Atiku condemns Wike’s threat to shoot Seun Okinbaloye, demands apology
By Ishaya Ibrahim
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned remarks by the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, that he felt like shooting Channels Television anchor Seun Okinbaloye over a comment he made against one party state in Nigeria.
A statement signed on behalf of Atiku by his Media Office described Wike’s comment as “disgraceful and dangerous,” saying it exposes the Tinubu administration’s descent into authoritarianism and intolerance of dissent.
Wike had, during his regular media chat on Friday, said he felt like shooting Okinbaloye through the television screen after the journalist warned that Nigeria could be doomed democratically if it slides into a one-party state.
The Atiku Media Office stated that for a serving minister to publicly declare on live television that he wished to shoot a journalist over a professional opinion was not a joke or banter, but “a clear, direct, and deeply sinister threat.”
“This was not an isolated slip. It is a symptom of a broader, more dangerous pattern under the administration of Bola Tinubu — a pattern where dissent is criminalised, criticism is met with hostility, and intimidation has become the default language of governance,” the statement read.
The office argued that in any sane democracy, such a statement would have triggered immediate resignation or dismissal.
It further noted that Okinbaloye’s only “crime” was warning against the dangers of a one-party state, adding that Wike’s response with a threat of violence starkly captures the current state of governance.
The Atiku Media Office warned that such rhetoric contributes to the gradual normalisation of threats and fear, which undermines democracy and puts the safety of journalists and ordinary citizens at risk.
“If a prominent journalist can be threatened so brazenly on national television, what protection exists for the ordinary Nigerian?” the statement asked.
The group demanded three immediate actions from the minister and the Tinubu administration: An immediate and unconditional public apology from Nyesom Wike to Seun Okinbaloye and the Nigerian media community. A clear and public repudiation of the dangerous rhetoric by the Tinubu administration. Concrete assurances for the safety and protection of journalists across Nigeria.
“Anything short of this will confirm what many Nigerians already fear — that this government is not merely intolerant of dissent, but increasingly comfortable with the language and instruments of repression,” the statement added.
The Atiku Media Office concluded that Nigeria “will not be bullied into silence,” and that the press will not be cowed by threats, no matter how powerful those issuing them may be.
