Broadcasters Demand Apology from FCT Minister Wike

The Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has called for a public apology from Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), regarding comments he reportedly made about journalist Seun Akinbaloye from Channels Television. IBAN, through its chairman Ahm Ramalan and acting general secretary Fide Duker, issued a warning to its members to boycott Wike's media engagements unless he retracts his statement and issues a public apology.

The controversy arose after Wike's remarks were criticized as dangerous to the party system in Nigeria, drawing widespread condemnation, including from Amnesty International Nigeria, which described the comments as reckless and warned that the language used threatens press freedom and the safety of journalists. IBAN has urged the FCT Minister to reaffirm his commitment to press freedom as guaranteed under Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution.

The association has indicated that failure to comply within a reasonable period could lead to the suspension of coverage of the FCT Minister by independent broadcast stations.