The Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have condemned the reported threat by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, against Seun Okinbaloye of Channels Television, calling on President Bola Tinubu to order an immediate and transparent investigation.

In a joint statement, the groups urged the federal government to ensure the safety and security of Okinbaloye and other journalists facing threats for carrying out their duties, warning that press freedom in Nigeria is in a “downward spiral” marked by intimidation, harassment and attacks.

The condemnation follows remarks by Wike during a media chat last Friday, where he expressed anger over comments made by Okinbaloye on Politics Today, saying he was “surprised” and would have “shot him” if it were possible to break through the television screen. The presenter had raised concerns about the 2027 elections becoming dominated by a single political party, referencing internal issues within the African Democratic Congress.

Reacting, NGE and SERAP said public officials are subject to scrutiny and criticism, stressing that Okinbaloye, like every citizen, has the right to freedom of expression, including the right to seek, receive and impart information on matters of public interest.

The organisations noted that although Wike later clarified his statement, such threats should never have been made, warning that they contribute to a climate of fear aimed at discouraging public interest journalism and undermining democratic accountability.

They further criticised what they described as the persistent failure of Nigerian authorities to investigate and prosecute attacks against journalists, saying the trend has emboldened perpetrators and fostered a culture of impunity.

The statement jointly signed by NGE President Eze Anaba and the General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh and SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare read in part: “The right to freedom of expression applies to all kinds of information and ideas, including those that may shock, offend or disturb.

“Any form of effort to coerce the holding or not holding of any opinion is prohibited.

“Although Mr Wike has sought to clarify his remarks, the threat should never have been made in the first place. The objective of those who threaten journalists remains the same: to chill public interest reporting by increasing the risks faced by journalists. Such conduct undermines press freedom and democratic accountability. This must stop.

“The continuing failure by the Nigerian authorities to uphold press freedom and to effectively investigate and prosecute the growing cases of threats and attacks against journalists has emboldened those who wish to silence them.

“The failure also reflects wider impunity for human rights violations and disregard for the rule of law in Nigeria.

“Impunity for those who threaten, intimidate and harass journalists and media organisations contributes to the hostile environment for these human rights defenders. Nigerian authorities must end impunity for crimes against journalists.

“We note that the restrictions on civic space, human rights violations and suppression of the press in recent times take various forms ranging from extrajudicial to unlawful detentions, enforced disappearances, malicious prosecutions and wrongful use of both legislation and law enforcement.”

Citing data from Reporters Without Borders, the groups said Nigeria dropped 10 places to 122nd position in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, adding that at least 56 journalists were assaulted or arrested while covering demonstrations in August 2024 alone.

It continued, “The Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to which Nigeria is a state party, guarantee the right to freedom of expression and press freedom.”

“Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution provides that every person shall have the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference. It further affirms the right to own, establish, and operate media outlets for the dissemination of information.”

“Section 22 places a duty on the press, radio, television, and other media to uphold accountability by holding the government responsible to the people.”

“The Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law protect criticism of public officials and political reporting, including political discourse, commentary on public affairs, and discussion of human rights.”

“The media plays a crucial role in exposing abuses of power and human rights violations, thus helping to ensure that the public is informed, that abuses are halted, that criminal perpetrators face justice, and that victims can seek redress.”

“The free communication of information and ideas about public and political issues is essential. This implies a free press and other media able to comment on public issues without censorship or restraint and to inform public opinion.”

“The right to information is a target of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the safety of journalists is a success indicator.”

“The United Nations Plan of Action defines the safety of journalists as encompassing not only physical attacks but also prosecution, arrest, imprisonment and denial of journalistic access, as well as impunity for crimes against journalists.”

They called on President Tinubu to direct Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, security agencies to investigate the alleged threat and other attacks on journalists since May 29, 2023, ensure accountability for perpetrators, reaffirm government support for media freedom, and provide effective remedies for affected journalists. (Vanguard)