Three major organisations have urged authorities to investigate a controversial remark allegedly made by Nyesom Wike, following concerns that the comment poses a threat to press freedom in Nigeria. The Nigeria Guild of Editors, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and SERAP raised the alarm after Wike was reported to have made a threatening statement during […]
Three major organisations have urged authorities to investigate a controversial remark allegedly made by Nyesom Wike, following concerns that the comment poses a threat to press freedom in Nigeria.
The Nigeria Guild of Editors, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and SERAP raised the alarm after Wike was reported to have made a threatening statement during a media session in Abuja, directed at Seun Okinbaloye.
In a joint reaction, the groups described the comment as unacceptable and called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure a thorough investigation into the matter.
They warned that threats against journalists undermine democracy and discourage accountability, adding that public officials must be held to higher standards in their public conduct.
The organisations expressed worry over what they termed growing intimidation of journalists, noting that the trend reflects a broader decline in civic freedom in the country.
They further criticised the government for failing to address repeated attacks on journalists, saying such inaction has allowed impunity to persist.
According to them, the safety of journalists is critical to maintaining a free and open society, especially in a democracy where public officials are subject to scrutiny.
They emphasised that both national and international laws guarantee freedom of expression and protect journalists in the discharge of their duties.
The groups urged the Federal Government to take immediate steps to investigate the incident and sanction anyone found culpable.
They also appealed for stronger protection for journalists and a renewed commitment to safeguarding media independence.
The NUJ also reacted strongly, describing the comment as alarming and dangerous, and called for an immediate apology from Wike.
The union warned that such statements could create fear among journalists and weaken the media’s ability to hold leaders accountable.
In a related development, HURIWA has petitioned the United States Government, seeking sanctions against Wike over what it described as repeated actions that threaten democratic principles.
The group accused the minister of fostering a climate of intimidation and urged international intervention to protect democracy and press freedom in Nigeria.