Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has clarified that his controversial statement about Channels TV anchor Seun Okinbaloye was not a literal threat but a figurative expression of frustration.
Wike made the clarification on Tuesday, April 7, in Abuja while hosting the management and staff of Daar Communications.
He said his remark had been misunderstood and blown out of proportion.
“You can imagine what happened in our press conference. And people just, you see, people just capitalise on things.
“Even when I explained there that, ‘look, it’s not correct. I didn’t say I would kill him. All I was trying to explain is that figuratively,” the minister said.
He expressed disappointment at what he perceived as unprofessional conduct by Okinbaloye during the broadcast.
“I was so angry. How can you descend so low? You are an interviewer. How do you now begin to say something that…you are no longer interviewing your guests… You are now saying this is what is going on? It’s not fair,” Wike stated.
“If I can break this…how can you break? I mean, how can? And people will capitalise on everything. Those who have defeated several, then they will come under you and say, look, do this, do this, do this.”
READ ALSO: Broadcasters Warn Wike: Apologise To Okinbaloye Or We’ll Boycott Media Briefings
The uproar began after Wike’s media briefing on Friday, April 3, where he reacted to comments made by Okinbaloye on the Politics Today programme.
During that session, the minister had said, “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.”
The statement immediately sparked outrage, with many interpreting it as a threat against the journalist.
Okinbaloye responded during a broadcast on Sunday, declaring that he would not be cowed by intimidation.
“I am not afraid, and I will never be intimidated,” he said.
Several organisations have condemned Wike’s initial statement.
First Daily reported that the Nigeria Union of Journalists and Amnesty International called the remark reckless and demanded a public apology.
The Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria went further, warning that it might boycott future media appearances by the minister if he fails to apologise.