Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has responded to the intense public backlash over his controversial comment about Channels Television anchor Seun Okinbaloye, insisting that the remark was taken out of context and was not meant literally.
Speaking on News Central, Wike described the widespread outrage as an overreaction fuelled by political motives, saying that Nigerians often misinterpret expressions, especially when politics is involved. He maintained that anyone familiar with his relationship with the journalist would not read the comment as a threat. “It’s a figure of speech to explain how angry I was,” Wike said, urging critics to consider the full context of what was said.
Wike also criticised Okinbaloye for not reaching out to him privately before the matter became public. He stressed that he and the journalist had subsequently spoken, and that there was no lingering dispute between them.
The remark, which Wike made during a media chat in Abuja after Okinbaloye raised concerns about Nigeria’s democratic direction, drew widespread condemnation from media groups and civil society organisations, who regarded it as inappropriate and potentially intimidating. Critics have called for official investigations and clear statements to protect journalistic freedom.
Wike’s explanation underscores his view that the controversy has been exacerbated by political actors and misinterpretation, rather than grounded in genuine threat or hostility.
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