The office of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has sought to calm public outrage following his controversial comment about Channels Television anchor, Seun Okinbaloye.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, said Wike’s remark about “shooting” the journalist was not intended as a literal threat but was an exaggerated expression of frustration.

Olayinka disclosed that both men have since spoken over the phone and resolved any misunderstanding, adding that the minister’s comment was directed at Okinbaloye’s perceived deviation from journalistic neutrality during a programme.

He explained that Wike was reacting to what he saw as the anchor’s involvement in political commentary rather than maintaining the role of an impartial interviewer.

According to him, the statement, made during a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, was hyperbolic and meant to emphasise the minister’s displeasure, not to suggest any form of physical harm.

Olayinka further noted that Wike clarified his position during the live programme, stressing that he had no intention of carrying out any violent act. He added that journalists present including senior figures within Channels Television, understood the context and did not interpret the comment as a real threat.

He urged the public to ignore attempts to politicise the remark or present it as an attack on press freedom.

The controversy began after Wike, during the media interaction, said he was angered by comments made by Okinbaloye on a recent edition of a current affairs programme, where the anchor raised concerns about Nigeria potentially drifting toward a one-party state amid developments involving the African Democratic Congress.

The minister argued that the journalist crossed professional boundaries by expressing a personal opinion on the issue during the broadcast.

The comment sparked widespread criticism, particularly on social media, with activists and commentators condemning the remark as inappropriate and potentially threatening.

Some also called on professional bodies, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists, to address the issue, citing concerns about press freedom.

Despite the backlash, Wike’s office maintains that the statement has been misinterpreted and taken out of context.