The Nigeria Union of Journalists has referred to as on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to withdraw his comment about journalist Seun Okinbaloye and concern an apology.
In an announcement signed by its Nationwide President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, the union expressed concern over the remark and its implications for press freedom.
“The Nigeria Union of Journalists expresses its concern over the assertion made by the Minister concerning a journalist. Such remarks elevate vital points in regards to the security of journalists and the safety of press freedom,” the assertion learn.
The union famous that it had initially kept away from reacting, hoping the minister would make clear or retract the assertion.
“The NUJ had delayed issuing this assertion within the expectation that the Minister would replicate and withdraw the remark. Nonetheless, the absence of such response has heightened considerations,” it added.
The response follows feedback made by Wike throughout a media chat, the place he responded to Okinbaloye’s evaluation on a tv programme.
“If there was any technique to break the display, I might have shot him,” Wike stated.
He later clarified that the comment was not meant to be taken actually.
On Saturday, his Senior Particular Assistant on Public Communications, Lere Olayinka, described the assertion as “hyperbolic,” including that it had been taken out of context.
Regardless of the clarification, the NUJ pressured that public officers should be cautious of their utterances, particularly when addressing points involving the media.
“Journalists are members of the fourth property, not enemies of the state. They’re constitutionally empowered to query authority and inform the general public,” the assertion stated.
The union urged the minister to apologise and referred to as on the Federal Authorities to reaffirm its dedication to press freedom.
“We name on the Federal Authorities to restate its dedication to defending journalists and making certain that they will perform their duties with out worry,” the NUJ stated.
It additionally appealed to media organisations and civil society {groups} to help efforts aimed toward safeguarding freedom of expression.
“The security and safety of journalists are important to a wholesome democracy, and all stakeholders should work collectively to uphold these rules,” the assertion added.
As of the time of submitting this report, Wike had not issued any additional private response past the clarification supplied by his aide.