News
IBAN Threatens Wike With Boycott Over Okinbaloye
The Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to retract the remark he made about shooting Channels anchor person, Seun Okinbaloye and issue a public apology, warning that failure to comply could lead to a boycott of his media engagements.
In a statement released on Monday, IBAN expressed “deep concern” over comments made by the minister during a live programme on Channels Television on April 3, 2026. During the broadcast, Wike was quoted as saying of journalist Seun Okinbaloye, “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” in reaction to the journalist’s interviewing style on the Politics Today programme.
Although the minister has reportedly clarified that he did not intend any physical harm, IBAN maintained that such language is unacceptable from a public office holder. The association noted that expressions suggesting violence—even when hypothetical—could be perceived as intimidation and risk encouraging hostility toward media professionals.
The body further highlighted the precarious state of press freedom in Nigeria, pointing out that the country ranks 122nd out of 180 nations on the global Press Freedom Index. According to IBAN, journalists continue to face challenges including surveillance, harassment, and arbitrary arrests, making statements of this nature particularly concerning.
IBAN, thus outlined a three-point demand to the FCT minister:
A clear and unambiguous retraction of the statement
A public apology to Okinbaloye and the wider media community
A reaffirmation of commitment to non-violence and respect for press freedom, in line with Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended)
The association warned that if the minister fails to meet these demands within a reasonable timeframe, it would advise all independent broadcast stations under its umbrella to suspend coverage of his press briefings, media chats, and official engagements.
“This is not a step IBAN takes lightly,” the statement read, adding that independent broadcasters must safeguard their personnel and resist the normalisation of violent rhetoric in public discours
Despite the strong stance, IBAN reiterated its commitment to constructive engagement with public officials, expressing hope that the minister would take corrective action to allow normal media coverage to resume.
The statement was jointly signed by IBAN Chairman, Alhaji (Dr) Ahmed Tijani Ramalan, and Acting General Secretary, Fidelis Duker.
News
Vardy Reveals Former Teammates, Ndidi And Iheanacho Use Juju Cream
Former Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has shared an amusing anecdote about the unique injury treatment preferred by his Nigerian ex-teammates, Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi.
Iheanacho and Ndidi became integral members of the Foxes squad after joining in 2017, playing a crucial role in the club’s historic 2021 FA Cup victory.
The duo shared a strong bond with Vardy during their time at the King Power Stadium, often engaging in light-hearted banter with their teammates.
Vardy, a Leicester City legend after 13 years with the club, departed last summer for Serie A side Cremonese. Iheanacho and Ndidi have also since moved on from the Foxes.
Speaking on a recent podcast, Vardy recounted how the Super Eagles stars had a peculiar remedy for minor injuries.
He explained that Iheanacho and Ndidi would insist on using a special “juju cream” brought back from Nigeria, refusing any other oils or balms offered by the club’s medical staff.
“They used to get injured, just little knocks, then they’d go back to Nigeria for one day literally, come back, and then they’ve got a nice big tub of juju cream,” Vardy said.
“That was the only thing that the masseuses were allowed to massage on the injured areas. They used to tell us that they used to get it from a Nigerian witch doctor.”
While Vardy’s story adds a humorous, if slightly controversial, layer to the players’ time at the club, the “juju cream” was likely part of a running joke.
Ndidi later clarified on social media that the substance was simply local shea butter, known as ‘ori’ in Nigeria.
News
Ondo Gov’s Loyalists Drag APC To Court Over NASS Primary Results
Some aspirants loyal to Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who failed to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) tickets in the recently concluded National Assembly primaries, have approached the court to challenge the outcome of the exercise.
The aggrieved aspirants are challenging the APC National Working Committee (NWC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the results of the primaries and the list of candidates submitted by the party to the electoral body.
Report quoted sources within the party as saying the aspirants decided to seek judicial redress after expressing dissatisfaction with the outcome of the primaries.
The aspirants have reportedly engaged the services of the law firm of Remi Olatubora, SAN, to challenge the outcome of the exercise, the report also mentioned.
Those involved include Gbenga Elegbeleye (Ondo North Senatorial District), Dr Taiwo Fasoranti (Ondo Central Senatorial District), Leke Akingboye (Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency), Rasaq Obe (Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency), Kayode Ijalana (Owo/Ose Federal Constituency), Oyerinmade Matthew (Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency), and Olumuyiwa Daramola (Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency).
The legal action has reportedly generated concerns among some party stakeholders, who fear it could affect the APC’s preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
News
Falana Declares FG’s House Gifts To Judges Illegal
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has slammed the Federal Government over its gifts of houses to judges.
Speaking at the Housing TV Africa on Thursday, Falana demanded the provision of the law that stipulated such a gesture.
He charged the Federal Government to also build houses for university professors and other civil and public servants, noting that what is good for the goose is equally good for the gander.
“”We have got to a stage in the country where we have to challenge the special privileges given to the rich and top public officers in the country.
“I was very sad when I saw that the Federal Government was handing over the keys of houses to judges, and I asked myself, ‘Under what law are we operating?’ Because it’s discriminatory and illegal.
“You treat everyone equally in our country. So you can’t take out judges. Judges are entitled to accommodation by the way. They must live comfortably and we’ll secured.
“But, other citizens must be equally provided for. If you don’t do it, you can be challenged, and that is going to happen very soon because what is good for the goose is good for the gander,” he said.
-
Health & Wellness11 months agoPresident Tinubu Directs Cut in Dialysis Cost from ₦50,000 to ₦12,000
-
News12 months agoPICTURE: In Lagos Couple Sentenced to 22½ Years for Cannabis Trafficking
-
Trending News11 months agoNELFUND Disburses ₦86bn To 449,000 Beneficiaries
-
Business4 months agoDangote Refinery Reduces Petrol Gantry Price To ₦1,200 Per Litre
-
International News4 months agoIndian Police Arrest Nigerian Over ₦290m Drug Haul
-
Business2 years agoHeritage Bank Customers’ Path to Securing ₦5m Insured Funds: A Step-By-Step Guide by NDIC”
-
Business4 months agoAfter Plea Bargain, Court Discharges Stella Oduah of ₦2.5bn Fraud
-
Business2 years ago
Dangote; We Did Not Fix ₦600/Litre Petrol Price
