Amnesty International has urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to immediately withdraw his “violent statement” and issue an apology.
Reactions have continued to trail remarks made by Wike during a media chat in Abuja on Friday, where he directed a controversial comment at Seun Okinbaloye, a presenter on Channels Television.
Wike had said he would have “shot” Okinbaloye over comments the journalist made regarding the possibility of Nigeria drifting toward a one-party state.
Okinbaloye, speaking on his programme, expressed concern that the 2027 elections could be dominated by a single political party, citing internal crises within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He warned that Nigeria could be “doomed democratically” if the ADC, seen as a viable opposition platform, is unable to effectively participate in the elections.
Responding, Wike said: “I was surprised yesterday, thoroughly surprised. If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.”
Reacting on Saturday via its official X account, Amnesty International strongly condemned what it described as reckless and violent language by the FCT Minister.
The organisation stated that Wike’s comment made on live television amounts to incitement and violates Nigeria’s broadcasting code, which the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is mandated to enforce.
According to Amnesty International, such remarks risk normalising violence and encouraging attacks on journalists simply for doing their jobs.
It added that such statements from a member of Nigeria’s federal cabinet are unlawful and unacceptable, calling on Wike to withdraw the comment and apologise immediately.
