NGE, SERAP demand probe into alleged threat by Wike against Okinbaloye

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order a thorough investigation into alleged threats against Channels Television presenter, Seun Okinbaloye.

The groups condemned remarks reportedly made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, during a media chat in Abuja, where he expressed anger over comments made by the journalist on his programme.

In a joint statement, the organisations described the remarks as troubling and indicative of a growing pattern of intimidation against journalists, urging the federal government to take immediate steps to safeguard media practitioners.

“We are seriously concerned that press freedom is in a downward spiral, with increasing intimidation, harassment and threats against journalists,” the statement said.

They emphasised that public officials are subject to scrutiny and criticism, noting that journalists have a constitutional right to express opinions and report on matters of public interest without fear of intimidation.

“Like every individual, Okinbaloye is entitled to exercise his right to freedom of expression, his role as a journalist does not diminish this right,” the groups stated.

The organisations further warned that failure to investigate and prosecute threats against journalists has fostered a climate of impunity, undermining democratic accountability and media freedom.

They also cited rising attacks on journalists across the country, noting that dozens were assaulted or arrested during protests in 2024, while Nigeria’s ranking on the global press freedom index has declined.

NGE and SERAP urged the government to direct law enforcement agencies to conduct a transparent investigation, ensure accountability for offenders and reaffirm its commitment to protecting press freedom.

They also called for stronger measures to guarantee access to justice for journalists and to curb what they described as increasing misuse of legal actions to intimidate the media.

The groups stressed that a free and independent press remains essential to democracy, accountability and the protection of human rights in Nigeria.