Channels Television anchor Seun Okinbaloye has said he will not be intimidated following controversial remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, insisting that journalism must remain firm in holding power to account.

Speaking during a broadcast on Sunday, Okinbaloye acknowledged the wave of support from Nigerians, civil society groups, and organisations, describing it as a reaffirmation of public commitment to truth and accountability.

“I sincerely want to thank civil society organisations, our viewers, for your love and your comments and your solidarity… Your support is deeply appreciated and reinforces our collective commitment to truth and accountability.”

He warned that attempts to silence dissenting voices could weaken democratic values, stressing that his comments were directed at all Nigerians, not any political bloc.

“Our democracy is in danger if we allow one way traffic in balloting.”

“This is not a warning to the opposition or the ruling party, but to all Nigerians who believe in the development of our nation.”

Okinbaloye disclosed that he had received reassurances regarding his safety, including engagement from security agencies, while also confirming that the minister reached out to clarify his earlier remarks.

“The ongoing reassurance from the Department of State Services.”

“I also received a call from the Honourable Minister who clarified that the intention was not as conveyed.”

Despite the clarification, he cautioned against the use of inflammatory language, particularly in a politically sensitive environment.

“Violent rhetoric or suggestive threats are never appropriate responses to dissent in a democratic society.”

“We must not create an environment where such statements can be exploited by those with harmful intentions.”

Reaffirming his stance, the broadcaster maintained that he would not back down from his professional responsibilities.
“Let me be clear, I’m not afraid, and I will never be intimidated.”

“I will continue to do what I love, asking the necessary questions, holding power to account… If that commitment comes at a cost, so be it.”

The controversy followed remarks by Wike during a media parley in Abuja, where he criticised Okinbaloye’s comments on political developments, particularly concerns about a possible drift towards a one-party state ahead of the 2027 elections.

Although the minister later clarified that his remarks were not intended as a threat, his aide, Lere Olayinka, said the statement was made “in a hyperbolic context… without intent,” explaining that the minister was reacting to what he perceived as the anchor’s involvement in political commentary rather than neutral moderation.

“The Minister never meant that he would shoot Seun Okinbaloye… he was reacting to what he perceived as the anchor’s involvement in political commentary rather than neutral moderation.”

However, Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the minister’s statement, describing it as “reckless and violent,” and warning that such language could incite attacks on journalists and undermine press freedom.

The organisation added that the remark “carries the danger of normalising violence and encouraging the targeting of journalists for just doing their job,” stressing that such comments from public officials are unacceptable.

The development has since sparked broader debate over media independence, political tolerance, and the tone of public discourse in Nigeria’s democratic space.

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