PRESS STATEMENT: LAWYERS' ALERT CONDEMNS FCT MINISTER’S THREAT ON JOURNALIST

Lawyers Alert condemns in the strongest terms the recent threat of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike to the anchor of Politics Today on Channels Television, Mr. Seun Okinbaloye. The Minister had remarked that if there was any way to break the screen of his television, he would have shot the journalist. The threats were issued in response to concerns raised by the Channels anchor as to the potentials of the leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) impacting on opposition politics ahead of 2027. Indeed, it was bad that this threatening statement was made at all, but it is inconceivable that same was made during a live interview.   

Lawyers Alert perceives the statement credited to the Minister as dangerous and unbecoming of any Nigerian, much more a public figure of his stature. Journalists play a vital role in the nurturing of any democracy to maturity and therefore the Minister should know enough to recognise that the Channels anchor was only performing his legitimate duties by raising these concerns. Often described as the fourth estate of the realm, the media owes a crucial duty to inform, educate and entertain the public. The media act as a watchdog over other arms of government and their institutions.

Such a statement from the Minister is capable of inciting violence against journalists and instilling fear in the minds of members of the ‘pen profession’. The remarks further risks intimidating media practitioners and could create a hostile environment for journalists in the day-to-day practice of their profession. Besides, this kind of threat, if not promptly checked, could create serious tensions capable of disrupting the collective efforts to entrench a free and civilized society.

The Minister should be reminded that the challenges of attacks, surveillance, arbitrary arrests, and even unnecessary criminalization already being faced by journalist are more than enough to contend with. Adding this to the lots is nothing other than a complete muzzling of the fourth estate of the realm.  This is unacceptable!

No doubt, it is the excesses of public officials such as the Minister that has been responsible for the ranking of the country at 122^nd position out of a total of 180 countries on the press freedom index. A far cry from where the country should be.     

Even though there are reports that both the Minister himself and his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications have come out to play down on what he actually meant, Lawyers Alert believes this is not a threat to be taken lightly or even brushed aside as it portends great danger for democratic tenets.

Even as this statement continues to generate a lot of controversies, it is important to call out those government agencies that are quick to arrest and even prosecute others accused of cyberbullying and threats to demonstrate their sincerity of purpose by promptly arresting and prosecuting the minister at the centre of this controversy. This will go a long way to restoring public confidence in the system. After all, what is good for the goose is also said to be good for the gander. 

Beyond the controversy over the intention of the Minister, it is important that every well-meaning Nigerian condemns the statement in the strongest terms possible. Let us remember that evil triumphs when good men and women refuse to talk. It is time to let the Minister know that as a public official, it beholds on him to exercise caution and restraint in all his actions and utterances. It is a lame defence to simply say the Minister never literally meant what he has uttered, or that he was speaking metaphorically, as his Senior Special Assistant will want Nigerians to believe.

In view of the foregoing, Lawyers Alert demands that the concerned Minister of the FCT retract his statement and issue an immediate public apology to the journalist at the centre of the threat and all media practitioners. Besides, the Minister should reaffirm his commitment to upholding the freedom of the press and the freedom of speech as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Thank you.

Bamidele A. Jacobs

Director, Legal 

For: Lawyers Alert

Lawyers Alert is a National Human Rights NGO which caters for the vulnerable and seeks a democratic Nigeria where the weakest are treated with respect and dignity of the human person. Lawyers Alert is headquartered in Makurdi Benue state, with a field office in Abuja, and members across the country.