'It Was Figurative', Wike Refutes Allegation of Threat Against Seun Okinbaloye
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has refuted claims that he issued a literal death threat against Channels TV journalist Seun Okinbaloye. He clarified that his contentious remarks were metaphorical and had been misinterpreted. The controversy arose during a media discussion on Friday, April 3, 2026, when Wike expressed frustration while watching Okinbaloye’s analysis on *Politics Today*, where the journalist explored concerns about Nigeria potentially becoming a one-party state. Driven by apparent irritation, Wike reportedly commented that, "Assuming I could open the screen, I would have shot him," accusing Okinbaloye of displaying bias and straying from the impartiality expected in journalism. Wike, along with his spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, sought to ease tensions by explaining that the statement was exaggerated and solely intended to convey his deep dissatisfaction—not a threat of physical harm. According to Olayinka, Wike even called Okinbalo...