The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has denied threatening Channels TV anchor Seun Okinbaloye, stating that his controversial remark was only figurative and not meant to be taken literally.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, April 7, Wike said his comment had been misunderstood and taken out of context.
He explained that during the press conference, he was expressing frustration and did not intend any harm. According to him, his words were symbolic, reflecting his anger over what he described as unfair conduct during the interview. He criticized the anchor for allegedly straying from professional boundaries, saying it was inappropriate for an interviewer to insert personal assertions instead of asking questions.
Wike added that people often seize on such remarks without considering the context, especially those eager to stir controversy.
The backlash followed comments he made during a media parley on Friday, April 3, in response to Okinbaloye’s analysis on Politics Today, where he said, “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.” The statement sparked widespread criticism.
Clarifying his position, the minister maintained that the remark was simply an expression of anger and not a real threat.
In response, Okinbaloye later addressed the issue on air, stressing that he would not be intimidated and noting that such language is inappropriate in a democratic society.
