The Atiku Media Office has condemned remarks attributed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing them as a dangerous threat against journalist and broadcaster, Seun Okinbaloye.
In a statement issued over the weekend in Abuja by his media office, the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused the minister of promoting a climate of intolerance and intimidation under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The statement alleged that Wike, during a live television appearance, made comments suggesting he would “shoot” the journalist over a professional opinion, a remark it described as “reckless” and “deeply troubling.”
According to the Atiku Media Office, such rhetoric from a serving minister represents a broader pattern of hostility toward dissenting voices and press freedom.
“For a serving minister to publicly make such a statement is not just reckless—it sends a chilling message about the state of democracy and tolerance in the country,” the statement said.
The media office argued that the alleged threat underscores growing concerns about the safety of journalists and the shrinking space for free expression, warning that normalising such language could undermine democratic institutions.
It further questioned what protection exists for ordinary Nigerians if prominent media figures could be targeted in such a manner.
The group called for an immediate and unconditional apology from Wike to Okinbaloye and the Nigerian media, as well as a clear repudiation of the remarks by the Tinubu administration.
It also urged the government to provide concrete assurances on the safety and protection of journalists across the country.
The statement warned that failure to address the issue would reinforce fears that the government is increasingly intolerant of criticism and dissent.
