FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has defended his controversial remark about Channels TV anchor Seun Okinbaloye, saying those familiar with their relationship would not interpret it as a threat.
Speaking during an interview on News Central on Monday, Wike described the backlash as exaggerated and driven by political motives, maintaining that his comment was not meant literally.
“It’s really unfortunate, you know, in Nigeria, people blow everything out of context, particularly playing politics with everything.
“Anybody who knows my relationship with Seun will not begin to rant. So, as you understand, it’s a figure of speech to explain how angry I was,” he said.
The minister also faulted Okinbaloye for failing to reach out to him privately before the issue escalated into public debate.
“How could you descend so low as a journalist? Instead of you to ask questions, solicit answers from them, then you can now let the public know what is going on,” he said.
Wike, however, said the matter had since been resolved, noting that both men had spoken and there was no lingering dispute.
“For me, I was talking to him, we have no problem, I’m sure he understands everything,” he said.
The controversy originated from comments Wike made at a media parley in Abuja, where he reacted to Okinbaloye’s remarks on a programme on Channels Television. The discussion had centred on the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress and its potential impact on opposition politics ahead of the 2027 elections.
During the broadcast, Okinbaloye raised concerns about the risk of Nigeria drifting toward a one-party state, a view Wike criticised as inappropriate for a journalist to express.
Wike’s aide, Lere Olayinka, had earlier described the minister’s comment as hyperbolic, saying it was a reaction to what he saw as the anchor venturing into political commentary instead of maintaining neutrality.
Okinbaloye, speaking on Sunday, said he would not be intimidated, though he acknowledged that Wike had contacted him to clarify that the remark was not intended as conveyed.
The journalist also warned against the use of inflammatory language, stressing that violent rhetoric has no place in a democratic society.
