A coalition of more than 14 press freedom and civil society organisations has condemned what it described as a threat directed at Channels Television journalist, Seun Okinbaloye, during a live broadcast.
This position was made known by International Press Centre, IPC, Nigeria, alongside other organisations; International Press Institute, IPI, Nigeria, Media Rights Agenda, MRA, Enough is Enough Nigeria, EIE, and Centre for Journalism Innovation & Development, CJID, called on the Minister to take immediate steps to address the controversy surrounding his statement made during a live media chat aired on Channels Television on Friday, April 3, 2026, where the Minister said: “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.”
The comment was directed at Seun Okinbaloye, a Political Correspondent and anchor of Politics Today, over his interviewing style and opinions expressed during a recent programme.
Those who co-signed the release made available to press also include, Centre for Media and Society, CEMESO, YIAGA Africa, International Centre for Investigative Reporting, ICIR, Global Rights and Dataphyte Foundation.
Still others are Accountability Lab Nigeria, TechHer, Kebekatche Women Development Resource Centre, DigiCivic Initiative and Hope Behind Bars Africa.
The organisations specifically demanded a full retraction of the statement, a public apology to Seun Okinbaloye and the broader media community, and a reaffirmation of commitment to non-violence and press freedom.
They further urged public officials and institutions to reject violent rhetoric and promote respectful engagement with the media, even in the face of disagreement.
They further noted that the statement constitutes a dangerous signal to journalists and undermines Nigeria’s democratic values.
Although the Minister later clarified that he had no intention to physically harm the journalist, the coalition insisted that the remark cannot be dismissed as harmless.
According to the statement, “Even such hypothetical expressions of violent intent constitute a conditional threat,” adding that such rhetoric could be perceived as intimidation by both journalists and the public.
The coalition warned that the remark contributes to a growing climate of fear within Nigeria’s media space, where journalists already face significant risks.
They emphasised that threats, whether explicit or implied, endanger reporters and weaken public trust in democratic engagement.
“Journalists play a crucial role in informing the public and holding power to account,” the statement read, stressing that public officials must show restraint and uphold democratic norms in their communications.
Citing Nigeria’s press freedom index ranking of 122 out of 180 countries, the organisations noted that media professionals are frequently monitored, attacked, or arbitrarily arrested, particularly during election periods.
The statement also referenced Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantee freedom of expression and affirm the media’s role in holding government accountable.
