Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has clarified remarks made by the minister during a recent media chat, stating that they were not intended as a literal threat against Channels Television anchor, Seun Okinbaloye.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Olayinka explained that Wike’s comment, which sparked reactions, was made in a figurative and hyperbolic context. He noted that the minister did not intend to harm the television presenter and had only used exaggeration to emphasize his displeasure.
According to Olayinka, Wike was expressing concern over what he described as Okinbaloye’s shift from professional journalism to appearing as an interested political participant during the interview.
“The minister holds Seun Okinbaloye in high esteem as a journalist, but was displeased seeing him descend into the political arena by speaking as an interested party rather than maintaining the role of an interviewer,” the statement said.
Olayinka further disclosed that both Wike and Okinbaloye had spoken on the phone after the programme, and that the journalist understood the minister’s remarks.
He added that Wike had also clarified his statement during the live broadcast, stressing that he did not mean he would take up arms against the anchor. The clarification, he said, was acknowledged by other journalists present at the interview, including Channels Television’s Abuja Bureau Chief, Chamberlain Uzor.
The aide cautioned against what he described as attempts to misrepresent the minister’s comments, urging the public to disregard interpretations that portray the statement as a threat.
He also warned against the use of the remark as a tool for “blackmail and propaganda” by individuals or groups seeking political advantage.
