The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned a statement credited to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing it as inappropriate and capable of undermining press freedom.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya, said the union found the remark directed at a television anchor deeply troubling and unacceptable.

Yahya noted that such comments from a public office holder could intimidate journalists and create a hostile environment for media practitioners carrying out their constitutional duties.

“The statement is condemnable and does not reflect the responsibility expected of public officials in a democratic society,” he said.

The union called on Wike to tender an immediate and unreserved apology, stressing that failure to do so could erode public trust and embolden attacks against journalists.

According to the NUJ, it had initially withheld its reaction in anticipation of a retraction or clarification but was compelled to speak due to the absence of any official response.

The body also urged the Federal Government to take appropriate steps to reaffirm its commitment to press freedom and the protection of journalists across the country.

Meanwhile, an aide to the minister, Lere Olayinka, has downplayed the controversy, describing the statement as exaggerated and taken out of context.

Olayinka maintained that the minister had no intention of threatening the journalist, adding that the remark was made in the heat of the moment.

However, the development has continued to draw reactions from stakeholders, who emphasised the need for caution in public communication, especially by government officials.

They reiterated that safeguarding the independence of the media remains essential to sustaining democratic governance in Nigeria.