By Augustine Akhilomen
Channels Television’s anchor, Seun Okinbaloye, has declared that he’s not scared and won’t be intimidated by comments made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Speaking during the Sunday edition of his current affairs programme, ‘Sunday Politics’, the TV anchor Okinbaloye acknowledged the outpouring of solidarity from civil society organisations (CSOs), viewers, and both local and international bodies.
“Let me be clear: I’m not afraid, and I will never be intimidated,” stressing that journalism “remains a duty to the public, not a concession to power”.
“I also received a call from the Honourable Minister who clarified that the intention was not as conveyed.
He thanked viewers and civil society groups for their support, noting that it “reinforces our collective commitment to truth and accountability.”
He also warned that “our democracy is in danger if we allow one-way traffic in balloting,” cautioning that such remarks must not create an environment that could be exploited by those with harmful intentions.
“Violent rhetoric or suggestive threats are never appropriate responses to dissent in a democratic society,” he said, emphasising that such language is especially dangerous during an election period when “clear and consistent assurances of safety are critical.
“We must not create an environment where such statements can be exploited by those with harmful intentions,” he cautioned.
The controversy followed Wike’s comment during a media parley in Abuja on Friday, where he criticised Okinbaloye’s comments on Politics Today about the risk of Nigeria becoming a one-party state.
The minister had said that if he could “break the screen,” he “would have shot him,” a comment that drew criticism from civil society and media groups.
But Okinbaloye maintained he would continue “asking the necessary questions” and holding power to account.