Wike’s Aide Clarifies ‘Shoot’ Comment Directed at Seun Okinbaloye

By Amos W. Peter

Lere Olayinka, spokesperson to Nyesom Wike, has clarified that the minister did not intend any real threat when he remarked that he “would have shot” Seun Okinbaloye, anchor of Politics Today on Channels Television.
The remark, made during a recent media chat, followed Okinbaloye’s comments on Nigeria’s political climate ahead of the 2027 elections. The journalist had emphasized the importance of political competition, warning that a one-party dominance could undermine democratic principles.

Reacting to the broadcast, Wike criticized the presenter for allegedly abandoning journalistic neutrality and expressing personal opinions. In expressing his frustration, the minister said that if it were possible to break the television screen, he “would have shot” the anchor.

“When I was watching Politics Today, Seun… If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” Wike said. “You are an interviewer; you are now telling them your own views… which means you have already taken a position.”

The comment sparked widespread criticism from civil society groups, political actors, and human rights organizations, who described the statement as inappropriate.

However, in an FCTA Press Release, issued on Saturday, via Olayinka’s Facebook handle. Olayinka explained that Wike’s remark was purely figurative and made in a hyperbolic sense, not as a literal threat. He accused critics of deliberately misrepresenting the minister’s words for political purposes.
According to Olayinka, Wike and Okinbaloye have since spoken by phone, and the journalist reportedly understood the intent behind the statement. He further noted that the minister had already clarified during the live program that he did not mean he would actually harm the anchor.

Olayinka maintained that the comment was simply an expression of frustration over what the minister perceived as a shift from neutral journalism to partisan commentary, stressing that any interpretation beyond that context is misleading.

“The public is therefore urged to desist from the use of the comment as instrument of blackmail and propaganda by those whose intent is to misrepresent facts for their political gains,” he said.