NUJ Demands Apology from Wike Over Journalist Threat
• Punch Newspapers • Politics
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed outrage over comments made by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, regarding journalist Seun Okinbaloye. Wike's remarks, made during a television interview, were perceived as a threat to press freedom, prompting NUJ President Alhassan Yahya to describe them as reckless and an attempt to intimidate the press. The NUJ has called for Wike to retract his statement and issue an apology, emphasizing the need for a safe environment for journalists to perform their duties. Wike's office attempted to downplay the controversy, stating that his comments were hyperbolic and taken out of context, meant to express frustration rather than a literal threat. Lere Olayinka, Wike's Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, clarified that the minister's intent was to criticize Okinbaloye for perceived bias rather than to incite fear. The NUJ has urged the federal government to condemn Wike's statements and reaffirm its commitment to protecting journalists.
Topics: Politics, Media