The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that he threatened a television presenter, insisting that his earlier remark was figurative and taken out of context.
Wike made the clarification in Abuja while hosting management and staff of Daar Communications, explaining that his statement had been misinterpreted by the public.
The controversy followed comments he made during a media briefing, where he reacted to analysis by Seun Okinbaloye, a presenter on Channels Television.
In expressing his frustration, Wike had said that if it were possible to “break the screen,” he would have “shot him,” a remark that sparked widespread criticism.
Addressing the backlash, the minister said the comment was not meant as a literal threat but rather as an expression of anger over what he considered unfair commentary.
He accused some individuals of deliberately misrepresenting his words.
Meanwhile, Okinbaloye responded during a subsequent broadcast, maintaining that he would not be intimidated and reaffirming his commitment to professional journalism.
The incident has drawn reactions from several organisations, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists and Amnesty International, both of which criticised the remark and called for an apology.
Similarly, the Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria warned that it could consider a boycott of the minister’s media engagements if the issue is not properly addressed.
