VIOLENT RHETORIC: 14 CSOs come down hard on Wike, highlight Nigeria’s worsening Press Freedom Index

*Say ‘threats erode public trust in democratic discourse’

BY IDIBIA GABRIEL

In a swift reaction, a network of press freedom-related Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) hhas strongly condemned the recent remarks made by FCT Minister, Mr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, against a broadcast journalist, Seun Okinbaloye.

Minister Wike reportedly erred when he stated during a live media chat aired on Channels Television on Friday, 3rd April 2026, that: “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.”

The threats, according to a statement shared across Nigerian states, the 14 CSOs described the minister’s utterance as unbecoming of the office he occupies, more so, coming on live TV.

“The undersigned network of press freedom, freedom of expression and civil society organisations strongly condemns the recent remarks made by FCT Minister, Mr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, who stated during a live media chat aired on Channels Television on Friday, 3rd April 2026, that: “If there was any way to break the screen, | would have shot him.” it stated.

It however noted that even though Minister Wike later clarified that he did not intend to physically harm the journalist” the CSOs are of the firm views that even such hypothetical expressions of violent intent constituted a conditional threat and cannot be dismissed as harmless.

Titled: “FCT Minister’s Media Chat: We Condemn Violent Rhetoric Against A Journalist”, the CSOs noted that, “Even if it was meant humorously, such rhetoric can be perceived as intimidation by both the journalist and the audience”.

They asserted that, conditional threats or violent statements against journalists contribute to a climate of fear, undermining the fundamental principles of a free and independent press especially as journalists play a crucial role in informing the public and holding power to account.

The group added that “Threats or violent language, whether explicit or veiled, not only endanger individual reporters but also erode public trust in democratic discourse”.

While it warned public officials to demonstrate respect for the above listed principles and uphold standards of decorum and restraint in all communications, CSOs recounted that with a press freedom index ranking of 122 out of 180 countries, Nigeria remains one of West Africa’s most dangerous and challenging countries for journalists.

“Media professionals are routinely monitored, attacked, and arbitrarily arrested, particularly during electoral campaigns. Incidents like this can further imperil journalists and highlight the urgent need for balanced and responsible political engagement, especially from public officials,” it said.

The rights group also called on the FCT Minister to fully retract the statement, Issue an apology to Mr. Seun Okinbaloye and the wider media community, and

against the media and promote a culture of respectful media dialogue, even amid holding officials accountable and guarantee the right to hold opinions and received.

The 14 CSOs comprised Centre for Journalism Innovation &Development (CJID), International Press Centre (IPC), Media Rights Agenda (MRA), YIAGA Africa,

Accountability Lab Nigeria, Global Rights, Digi Civic Initiative, amongst others.