The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has denied threatening to shoot Channels Television anchor, Seun Okinbaloye, clarifying that his remark during a media chat was only figurative.
In a statement issued this Saturday, the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, Lere Olayinka, said Wike never intended any harm, noting that both men had since spoken by phone and the journalist understood the context of the comment.
According to the statement, the Minister was reacting out of anger over what he perceived as Okinbaloye taking a political position during the interview, contrary to his expected role as a neutral journalist.
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Olayinka explained that the remark was hyperbolic, meant as an exaggeration to drive home a point, and not a literal threat.
He added that Wike had already clarified this during the live television programme, which featured senior journalists including Chamberlain Uzor, stressing that the comment should not be taken out of context.
The aide also urged the public to disregard any attempt to politicise or misrepresent the statement, warning against its use as a tool for blackmail or propaganda.
Editor: Ada Ononye
