NGE and SERAP Call for Immediate Investigation into Threats Against Journalists
The Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have issued a strong condemnation of reported threats made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, against Channels Television presenter Seun Okinbaloye. In a joint statement, the groups have urgently called upon the government of President Bola Tinubu to launch a prompt, thorough, transparent, and effective investigation into the incident. They emphasized the need for the Tinubu-led administration to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of Okinbaloye and other journalists who face threats solely for exercising their human rights and performing legitimate journalistic duties.
Wike's Controversial Remarks Spark Outrage
During a media chat in Abuja last Friday, Minister Wike made alarming statements, saying, "I was surprised yesterday (Thursday), totally surprised when I was watching Politics Today. Seun (Okinbaloye), if there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him." This remark came after Okinbaloye expressed concerns on the program that the 2027 elections were increasingly shaping up as a contest dominated by a single political party, citing reported crises within the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Wike argued that, as a journalist, Okinbaloye should not express personal opinions, but the NGE and SERAP have firmly rejected this stance.
Growing Concerns Over Press Freedom in Nigeria
In their reaction, the NGE and SERAP expressed serious concerns that press freedom in Nigeria is in a "downward spiral," with escalating intimidation, harassment, threats, and attacks against journalists and media freedom across the country. They highlighted that public figures, including politicians, are subject to a higher degree of scrutiny and criticism, and the threat against Okinbaloye illustrates the worsening environment for journalists. The groups asserted that every individual, including Okinbaloye, is entitled to exercise their right to freedom of expression as a fundamental human right, which includes seeking, receiving, and imparting information of public interest. They stressed that his role as a journalist does not diminish or deprive him of this right.
A statement jointly signed by NGE President Eze Anaba, General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh, and SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare read in part: "The right to freedom of expression applies to all kinds of information and ideas, including those that may shock, offend or disturb. Any form of effort to coerce the holding or not holding of any opinion is prohibited." Although Wike has sought to clarify his remark, the groups emphasized that the threat should never have been made in the first place. They warned that such conduct aims to chill public interest reporting by increasing risks for journalists, thereby undermining press freedom and democratic accountability.
Impunity and Wider Human Rights Violations
The NGE and SERAP pointed out that the continuing failure by Nigerian authorities to uphold press freedom and effectively investigate and prosecute threats and attacks against journalists has emboldened those who wish to silence them. This failure, they noted, reflects wider impunity for human rights violations and disregard for the rule of law in Nigeria. They expressed concern that impunity for those who threaten, intimidate, and harass journalists contributes to a hostile environment for human rights defenders, calling on Nigerian authorities to end such impunity for crimes against journalists.
They further highlighted that restrictions on civic space, human rights violations, and suppression of the press in recent times take various forms, including:
- Extrajudicial actions
- Unlawful detentions
- Enforced disappearances
- Malicious prosecutions
- Wrongful use of legislation and law enforcement
The groups are particularly concerned that security agencies and politicians continue to target journalists with lawsuits, often for libel or criminal defamation, seeking exorbitant damages. Known as strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), these legal actions are not necessarily intended to win but to intimidate or exhaust the resources and morale of journalists.
HURIWA Petitions U.S. Government for Sanctions Against Wike
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has formally petitioned the United States Government through the American Embassy in Abuja, calling for targeted sanctions against Minister Wike over what it described as a sustained pattern of actions undermining democratic governance in Nigeria. In a detailed communication addressed to the U.S. Ambassador, the civil rights organization outlined allegations bordering on electoral misconduct, subversion of constituted authority, sponsorship of political crises, and erosion of judicial independence.
HURIWA warned that "electoral democracy is under threat in Nigeria," citing dangerous trends such as the constriction of political space, demonisation of dissent, sponsored crises in opposition parties, and mass defections orchestrated through enticement and coercion. The group urged the U.S. government to carefully review these claims and, where found credible, consider measures like visa restrictions and other diplomatic actions to deter further democratic backsliding. They emphasized that Nigeria's democratic system, though resilient since the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999, is increasingly vulnerable due to these factors, and any derailment could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability and global democratic norms.
