The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has denied threatening to kill Channels Television journalist Seun Okinbaloye, saying his earlier remark was figurative and misinterpreted.

Wike had sparked reactions during a media chat on Friday when he expressed frustration over Okinbaloye’s comments on Nigeria’s democracy while watching Politics Today.

“If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” Wike said, before immediately clarifying that the statement was not literal.

Addressing the controversy on Tuesday, the minister reiterated that his comment was not a threat.

“You can imagine what happened in our media chat; people just capitalise on things, even when I explained there that, look, I didn’t say I would kill him,” he said.

“All I was trying to explain, figuratively… I was wondering, how can you descend so low? You’re an interviewer… you’re no longer interviewing your guests; you’re now saying this is what is going on; it’s not fair.”

Wike maintained that his remark about breaking the television screen was an expression of frustration, not a call to violence, and alleged that political opponents had amplified the issue.

“I mean, people will capitalise on everything; those who I have defeated severally,” he said.

He also referenced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, suggesting critics were politically motivated.

“What do you expect someone like Atiku, who said I made him to fail election; he cannot be happy with me naturally,” he added.

The minister urged journalists to uphold professional standards and avoid publishing reports they cannot defend.

“So, the media should not be used; stand firm. If you believe what you are saying is correct, stand firm,” he said.

Wike expressed confidence that the media would improve with greater adherence to responsibility and ethical reporting.