The office of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has moved to calm tensions following his controversial remark about a television presenter.
In a statement issued on Saturday, his media aide, Lere Olayinka, explained that the minister’s comment about “shooting” Seun Okinbaloye was not intended as a literal threat.
According to him, the statement was an expression of frustration and should be understood as exaggeration rather than a call to violence.
He added that both individuals have since spoken privately and resolved any misunderstanding arising from the remark.
The aide further clarified that the minister’s reaction was directed at what he perceived as a shift from neutral journalism to personal opinion during a television discussion.
He stressed that the comment was made in the heat of the moment and was never meant to harm the journalist.
The remark, which was made during a media interaction in Abuja, sparked widespread criticism, with many expressing concern over its implications for press freedom.
Some commentators and civil society voices described the statement as inappropriate, especially given the sensitivity surrounding media independence in Nigeria.
However, the minister’s aide maintained that the comment had been misinterpreted, noting that the minister had already clarified his position during the same session.
He urged the public to avoid politicising the issue, insisting that there was no malicious intent behind the statement.
The development has continued to generate debate on the relationship between public officials and the media, particularly regarding the boundaries of expression and professional conduct.
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