Wike says comments blown out of context....

Nyesom Wike, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory minister, has defended remarks he made about Seun Okinbaloye, saying they were misunderstood and taken out of context.

Speaking in an interview on News Central, Wike said his comments were not intended to be taken literally but were a figure of speech expressing anger at the time.

“It’s really unfortunate, you know, in Nigeria, people blow everything out of context, particularly playing politics with everything,” he said.

Wike added that those familiar with his relationship with Okinbaloye, a presenter with Channels Television, would not have misinterpreted the remark.

The minister also criticised the journalist for not seeking clarification before the issue became public, questioning why he was not contacted directly.

“How could you descend so low as a journalist? Instead of you to ask questions, solicit answers from them, then you can now let the public know what is going on,” he said.

Wike said both men had since spoken privately and resolved any misunderstanding.

“For me, I was talking to him, we have no problem, I’m sure he understands everything,” he added.

The controversy began after Wike made the comment during a media meeting in Abuja, responding to Okinbaloye’s remarks on a Channels Television programme about internal issues within the African Democratic Congress and their potential impact on the 2027 elections.

Okinbaloye had raised concerns about Nigeria drifting towards a one-party state, a position Wike rejected. An aide to the minister later said the remark had been exaggerated and reflected Wike’s view that the journalist had overstepped his role.

Okinbaloye subsequently said he would not be intimidated, while cautioning against the use of strong or violent language in democratic discourse.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International Nigeria criticised Wike’s initial statement, describing it as “reckless and violent” and warning that such comments by public officials could incite attacks on journalists.