Why I Said I Would ‘Shoot’ Journalist – Wike Breaks Silence, Calls It Figure of Speech

Akahi News learnt that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has finally addressed the firestorm over his controversial threat against Channels TV news anchor Seun Okinbaloye. The statement—that he would have “broken his TV screen and shot” the journalist—had set social media ablaze and drawn sharp rebukes from across the political spectrum.

Speaking on News Central on Monday, Wike offered an explanation. It was, he said, merely a figure of speech. A reflection of frustration. Nothing more.

“It’s really unfortunate, you know, in Nigeria people blow everything out of context, particularly playing politics with everything,” Wike told the programme.

But when a man in his position—a former governor, now a minister—speaks of shooting a journalist, even as a figure of speech, should Nigerians simply shrug and move on?

Wike Insists Relationship With Okinbaloye Is Fine

Akahi News gathered that the minister went further, pointing to his long-standing relationship with the Channels TV anchor. Anyone who truly knows that relationship, Wike argued, would not be “ranting” about the comment.

“Anybody who knows my relationship with Seun will not begin to rant,” Wike said.

He also revealed that he has since spoken directly with Okinbaloye. According to Wike, the journalist understood the context and the two have no problem.

“It’s a figure of speech that explains how angry I was. I’ve spoken to him; we have no problem. He said he understands everything,” the minister stated.

It was alleged that the original comment came during an interview where Okinbaloye suggested that a one-party system could destroy democracy in Nigeria. Wike’s response—mentioning a broken TV screen and a gun—was immediate and visceral.

The backlash was equally immediate. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar weighed in with criticism. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also condemned the statement. Press freedom advocates saw red. And many ordinary Nigerians wondered: what kind of leader threatens a journalist for asking a question?

Figure of Speech or Dangerous Precedent?

Here is the heart of the matter. Wike is not an ordinary citizen ranting in a private living room. He is the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. He holds one of the most powerful offices in the land. When he speaks of shooting a journalist—even in frustration, even as a figure of speech—the words carry weight.

Journalists in Nigeria already operate under constant threat. From police harassment to military brutality to political intimidation, the fourth estate is not always safe. A minister’s words, no matter how he later tries to soften them, can embolden those who wish to silence the press.

Akahi News had earlier reported on the chilling effect of political figures making violent remarks against media practitioners. Words become actions. Actions become silences. And silences become the death of accountability.

Wike says he and Seun have no problem. That is good. Personal relationships can survive heated moments. But the concern was never just about Wike and Okinbaloye. It was about the message sent to every journalist in Nigeria who might one day ask a powerful man an uncomfortable question.

Will that minister also speak of broken screens and bullets? Will that minister also call it a figure of speech afterwards?

It is not a child’s play to threaten a journalist, even rhetorically. In a country where media houses have been raided, where reporters have been beaten, where editors have been arrested, every violent word from a political leader lands like a stone in a already troubled pond.

Wike has spoken to Okinbaloye. The anchor has accepted the explanation. That may be the end of the matter between two men. But for press freedom in Nigeria, the echoes of that “figure of speech” will linger. And journalists watching from Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt will remember: the minister said he would shoot.

Whether he meant it or not, he said it.

Key Summary Box

What happened: FCT Minister Nyesom Wike faced backlash after telling Channels TV anchor Seun Okinbaloye that he would have “broken his TV screen and shot” the journalist during an interview about one-party democracy.
Wike’s defence: Speaking on News Central, Wike called the remark a “figure of speech” reflecting his anger. He said he has since spoken to Okinbaloye and they have no problem.
The critics: Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) were among those who condemned the statement.
What remains: While Wike insists the matter is resolved personally, press freedom advocates worry about the chilling effect of violent rhetoric from political leaders.
Why it matters to Nigerians: Threats against journalists—whether literal or figurative—undermine media independence and democratic accountability. A minister’s words set a tone for how the press is treated nationwide.
Bottom line: Wike says it was just frustration. Okinbaloye says he understands. But the damage to the perception of press freedom in Nigeria may not be so easily repaired.