The Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria has strongly criticised media commentator Yusuf Mamman, describing his remarks against the association as “misguided” and calling for an immediate retraction.
Ambassador Yusuf Mamman
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Interim Secretary, Fidelis Duker, the association faulted Mamman’s criticism of its earlier condemnation of comments made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
IBAN had reacted to Wike’s controversial remark in which he allegedly suggested he would have “shot” a journalist, Seun Okinbaloye, through a television screen. The association described the statement as a serious threat to press freedom and democratic norms.
Defending its position, IBAN said its response was “measured and necessary,” adding that Mamman’s attack ignored what it described as a broad consensus across the media and civil society.
According to the statement, several professional and advocacy organisations, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nigerian Guild of Editors, International Press Institute, Amnesty International, and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, had also condemned the remark.
“The consensus is clear—such rhetoric incites fear, normalises violence against journalists, and erodes constitutional democracy,” the association said.
IBAN argued that singling it out for criticism amounted to a misrepresentation of facts and undermined the collective stance of the media community.
The association further warned that downplaying threats against journalists could embolden political actors and create a hostile environment for media practice. It stressed that dismissing such comments as mere rhetoric could lead to escalation, including harassment or violence.
IBAN also raised concerns about what it described as Mamman’s “apparent proximity to power,” suggesting that his defence of a government official called into question his neutrality.
“Journalism is not a crime. Journalists are not the enemy. They are the safeguard of public accountability,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to press freedom, IBAN urged Mamman to reconsider his position and align with efforts to protect journalists from intimidation.
