The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has clarified that his controversial remark during a live interview on Channels Television was figurative and not intended as a threat.
The clarification was conveyed in a statement on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, who said the comment had been widely misunderstood.
According to Olayinka, the minister did not intend any harm toward the television anchor, Seun Okinbaloye, and merely used exaggeration to express his displeasure during the discussion.
“The minister never meant he would harm Seun Okinbaloye. They have since spoken, and he understands the context of the remark,” the statement noted.
He explained that Wike’s reaction stemmed from disappointment, as he holds the journalist in high regard but felt his comments during the interview leaned more toward political advocacy than neutral questioning.
Olayinka emphasized that the statement was hyperbolic and should not be interpreted literally, adding that the minister had already clarified this during the live broadcast.
He further noted that members of the interview panel, including Chamberlain Uzor, understood the context at the time, as evidenced by their reaction during the programme.
The aide also cautioned against twisting the minister’s words for political purposes, warning that taking the remark out of context amounts to deliberate misrepresentation.
He urged the public to disregard attempts to use the comment for propaganda, insisting that it was never intended as a threat but simply an expression made in the heat of the moment.