Dare Babalola
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have called on President Bola Tinubu to order an immediate investigation into alleged threats against Channels Television presenter, Seun Okinbaloye.
In a joint statement posted on Monday, the organisations condemned remarks reportedly made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing them as troubling and indicative of growing hostility toward the media.
They urged the Federal Government to “promptly, thoroughly, transparently and effectively investigate the threat,” while also taking concrete steps to guarantee the safety of journalists across the country.
The groups said, “We strongly condemn the reported threat by Mr Nyesom Wike against Seun Okinbaloye,” adding that authorities must “urgently take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of Mr Okinbaloye and other journalists facing threats solely for carrying out their legitimate journalistic work.”
Wike had, during a media chat in Abuja, reacted to comments made by Okinbaloye on Politics Today, where the presenter raised concerns about Nigeria’s political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, SERAP and the NGE insisted that journalists have a right to express views and engage in public discourse without fear of intimidation.
“Like every individual, Okinbaloye is entitled to exercise his right to freedom of expression as a fundamental human right. His role as a journalist does not diminish or deprive him of this right,” the statement read.
The organisations warned that press freedom in Nigeria is facing increasing threats, citing what they described as a pattern of intimidation, harassment, and attacks against media practitioners.
“We are seriously concerned that press freedom is in a ‘downward spiral,’ with increasing intimidation, harassment, threats, and attacks against journalists and media freedom across the country,” they said.
They further stressed that public officials must be open to scrutiny, noting that criticism is a core element of democratic governance.
“Public figures, including politicians, are subject to a higher degree of scrutiny and criticism. The threat against Mr Okinbaloye illustrates the escalating threats to the safety and security of journalists,” the groups stated.
Although Wike has since clarified his remarks, the organisations maintained that such statements should not have been made in the first place.
“The threat should never have been made, such conduct undermines press freedom and democratic accountability. This must stop,” they said.
SERAP and the NGE also expressed concern over what they described as a culture of impunity, warning that failure to hold perpetrators accountable emboldens further violations.
“The continuing failure by the Nigerian authorities to investigate and prosecute the growing cases of threats and attacks against journalists has emboldened those who wish to silence them,” the statement added.
Highlighting broader concerns, the groups pointed to rising cases of legal harassment, unlawful detention, and attacks on journalists, noting that such actions contribute to a hostile environment for the media.
They also referenced global press freedom rankings, stating that “Nigeria has dropped 10 spots to 122nd in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index,” underscoring the urgency of reforms.
The organisations urged the Tinubu administration to take decisive action, including directing security agencies to investigate threats against journalists and ensuring accountability for those responsible.
They also called for stronger institutional support for press freedom and access to justice for affected media practitioners.
“The Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law protect criticism of public officials and political reporting. The media plays a crucial role in exposing abuses of power and ensuring accountability,” the groups said.
Reaffirming the importance of a free press, SERAP and the NGE stressed that safeguarding journalists is essential to democratic governance.
“The free communication of information and ideas about public and political issues is essential. This implies a free press able to comment on public issues without censorship or restraint,” they added.
