Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has criticised Seun Okinbaloye, anchor of Politics Today on Channels Television, over comments on Nigeria’s political direction.
Wike spoke on Friday during a media chat with journalists in Abuja.
Okinbaloye had raised concerns in the Thursday edition of the programme over a possible drift towards a one-party state.
The minister expressed anger over the comment, saying it was inappropriate for a broadcaster to take a position while moderating a programme.
“In fact, I was surprised yesterday. If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” Wike said.
He, however, clarified that he was not speaking literally but expressing frustration.
“I’m not saying I will shoot him. What I mean is the anger — how can an interviewer make such a statement?” he said.
Wike argued that journalists should remain neutral and avoid projecting personal opinions during interviews.
“You are an interviewer. You are not there to tell people your own views,” he said.
According to him, raising such concerns on air suggests bias and undermines professional standards.
“Once you begin to take a position, it is not right. That is not the kind of journalism I know,” he said.
