The Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has called on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to issue a public apology for comments he made in response to a report by Channels Television journalist Seun Okinbaloye. Wike reportedly reacted angrily to Okinbaloye's remarks about the risks of a one-party system in Nigeria, prompting IBAN to demand a retraction and formal apology. The association, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Ahmed Ramalan, and Acting General Secretary, Fidelis Duker, warned that failure to comply could lead to a boycott of the minister's media engagements by independent broadcasters. IBAN cited Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which protect press freedom and freedom of expression, as the basis for its position. Amnesty International Nigeria also weighed in, calling Wike's comments reckless and a potential threat to journalist safety.
Nyesom Wike's remarks about Seun Okinbaloye risk setting a tone that discourages critical journalism, especially in the nation's capital. When a cabinet minister reacts combatively to a factual media query, it creates a chilling effect on press freedom. IBAN's threat of a coverage boycott is not mere posturing—it reflects growing unease among broadcasters about operating space. For Nigerian journalists, the incident underscores how quickly official hostility can escalate from words to real-world consequences.
