The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, continued to come under intense criticism following an alleged threat directed at television journalist Seun Okinbaloye­, with the Glide Media Foundation demanding an immediate and unreserved apology.

In a strongly worded statement by Favour Ekwe on Monday, the Foundation described the remark attributed to Wike as “reckless, alarming, and unacceptable,” warning that such rhetoric poses a direct threat to press freedom and democratic values in Nigeria.

The foundation said it was deeply concerned that a public official of Wike’s stature could be linked to statements perceived as endorsing violence against a member of the media, stressing that such conduct undermines the rule of law and erodes confidence in governance.

“The reported statement is not only dangerous but represents a direct assault on press freedom and democratic norms,” the statement read. “It is unacceptable for any public official to resort to threats of violence, particularly against members of the media.”

The Glide Media Foundation emphasised that journalists remain a cornerstone of democratic society, serving as watchdogs who hold leaders accountable and keep citizens informed.

It rejected any attempt to portray media practitioners as adversaries of the state.

“Journalists are not enemies of the state. They are constitutionally empowered to question authority and inform the public. Journalism is not a crime, and no journalist should ever be threatened, bullied, or silenced for doing their job,” the statement added.

The Foundation further warned that inflammatory remarks by public officials, if left unchecked, could embolden further acts of intimidation against journalists and create a chilling effect across the media landscape.

Observers note that concerns over the safety of journalists in Nigeria have persisted in recent years, with media organisations and civil society groups repeatedly calling for stronger protections and accountability mechanisms.

Incidents involving harassment, intimidation, and attacks on journalists have continued to draw both local and international attention, raising questions about the health of press freedom in the country.

Against this backdrop, the Foundation said the alleged threat by Wike reflects a troubling pattern that must be decisively addressed to prevent further deterioration of democratic norms.

“This kind of conduct reflects a disturbing disregard for the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent that could encourage further hostility towards journalists. Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere where members of the press are intimidated into silence,” it stated.

The organisation called on relevant authorities to act swiftly, urging law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies to ensure that journalists can carry out their duties without fear of harassment or harm.

It also stressed that public office holders must lead by example, exercising restraint in their language and respecting the fundamental rights guaranteed under the constitution, including freedom of expression and of the press.

“The safety of journalists must be guaranteed at all times, and those who attempt to undermine press freedom must be held accountable. Enough is enough,” the statement concluded.

As reactions continue to trail the development, media stakeholders say the incident has once again brought to the fore the delicate balance between power and accountability in Nigeria’s democracy, underscoring the need for sustained vigilance in the protection of press freedom.