The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to withdraw his comment about journalist Seun Okinbaloye and issue a public apology.

In a statement signed by its National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, the union expressed concern over the remark, warning of its implications for press freedom and the safety of journalists.

“The Nigeria Union of Journalists expresses its concern over the statement made by the Minister regarding a journalist. Such remarks raise important issues about the safety of journalists and the protection of press freedom,” the statement read.

The NUJ noted that it initially refrained from reacting, expecting the minister to retract or clarify the statement.

“The NUJ had delayed issuing this statement in the expectation that the Minister would reflect and withdraw the comment. However, the absence of such response has heightened concerns,” it added.

The controversy stems from remarks made by Wike during a media chat in response to Okinbaloye’s analysis on a television programme.

“If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” Wike said, later clarifying that the statement was not intended literally.

On Saturday, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, Lere Olayinka, described the comment as “hyperbolic” and taken out of context.

Despite the clarification, the NUJ maintained that public officials must exercise caution in public statements, particularly when addressing members of the media.

“Journalists are members of the fourth estate, not enemies of the state. They are constitutionally empowered to question authority and inform the public,” the union stated.

The NUJ also urged the Federal Government to reaffirm its commitment to protecting press freedom and ensuring journalists can operate without intimidation.

“We call on the Federal Government to restate its commitment to protecting journalists and ensuring that they can carry out their duties without fear.”

The union further appealed to media organisations and civil society groups to support efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, stressing that journalist safety remains essential to democratic governance.