By Joyce Remi Babayeju
The Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, Lere Olayinka, has explained remarks made by the Minister during Friday’s media chat on Channels Television, stating that they were purely figurative and not intended as a threat.
Olayinka, in a statement issued on Saturday, explained that the Minister’s comment directed at television anchor Seun Okinbaloye was made in a hyperbolic context to express displeasure, and not to be taken literally.
According to him, the Minister did not at any point intend harm, noting that both men had since spoken and reached a clear understanding of the remark.
He further stated that the Minister’s reaction stemmed from disappointment at what he described as Okinbaloye’s perceived shift from objective journalism to what appeared as partisan engagement during the interview.
Olayinka emphasized that the comment was an exaggeration meant to underscore a point, adding that the Minister had already clarified this during the live programme, which also featured the Head of Abuja Office of Channels Television, Chamberlain Uzor, among the interviewers.
He noted that the clarification made on air was received with laughter by those present, reinforcing that there was no malicious intent behind the statement.
The aide cautioned against taking the comment out of context, warning that doing so would amount to deliberate misrepresentation.
He also urged the public to disregard attempts by individuals or groups to use the remark as a tool for blackmail or political propaganda.
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