‘I’m not afraid’ – Channels TV’s Seun Okinbaloye replies Wike over threat

Seun Okinbaloye, an anchor with Channels Television, has said he will not be intimidated following the controversy triggered by remarks from Nyesom Wike.

Speaking during a broadcast on Sunday, Okinbaloye thanked civil society groups, viewers, and both local and international organisations for standing by him.

“I sincerely want to thank civil society organisations, our viewers, for your love and your comments and your solidarity… Your support is deeply appreciated and reinforces our collective commitment to truth and accountability,” he said.

Addressing concerns surrounding the incident, he warned that silencing dissenting voices could weaken democratic values, noting that “our democracy is in danger if we allow one way traffic in balloting.”

He clarified that his remarks were not directed at any particular political group, stating, “this is not a warning to the opposition or the ruling party, but to all Nigerians who believe in the development of our nation.”

Okinbaloye also revealed that he had received assurances regarding his safety, including ongoing reassurance from the Department of State Services. He added that the minister had personally reached out to him.

“I also received a call from the Honourable Minister who clarified that the intention was not as conveyed,” he said.

Despite the clarification, he cautioned against the use of inflammatory language, stressing that “violent rhetoric or suggestive threats are never appropriate responses to dissent in a democratic society,” particularly during an election period when “clear and consistent assurances of safety are critical.”

He further warned that such statements, if misunderstood, could be exploited by individuals with harmful intentions.

Reaffirming his stance, Okinbaloye said, “Let me be clear, I’m not afraid, and I will never be intimidated,” adding that journalism “grounded in ethics and global best practices remains a duty to the public, not a concession to power.”

“I will continue to do what I love, asking the necessary questions, holding power to account… If that commitment comes at a cost, so be it,” he added.

The controversy followed comments made by Wike during a media briefing in Abuja, where he reacted to Okinbaloye’s remarks on a programme discussing the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress and its implications for opposition politics ahead of the 2027 elections.

Okinbaloye had raised concerns about the possibility of a one-party state, a view the minister criticised as inappropriate for a journalist.

Although Wike later clarified that he did not intend any physical harm, his aide, Lere Olayinka, said the remarks were made “in a hyperbolic context… without intent,” explaining that the minister was responding to what he perceived as political commentary rather than neutral moderation.

However, Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the remarks, describing them as “reckless and violent,” and warning that such rhetoric could incite attacks on journalists and undermine press freedom.