SAT APRIL 04 2026-theGBJournal| Amnesty International has strongly condemned what it described as reckless and dangerous remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following his televised statement suggesting he could respond to a journalist, in this instance, Channels TV broadcaster Seun Okinbaloye, ”by shooting.”
During a live broadcast, Wike said, “If there’s anyway to broke (sic) the screen, I would have shot him,” a comment the rights group warned could incite violence.
Amnesty International noted that such rhetoric not only promotes hostility but also risks normalising attacks against journalists carrying out their professional duties.
It stressed that statements of this nature, particularly from a senior government official, pose a serious threat to press freedom and democratic accountability.
Amnesty International further argued that the comment contravenes Nigeria’s Broadcasting standards, which fall under the regulatory oversight of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
It called on Wike to immediately retract his statement and issue a public apology, insisting that expressions of violent intent from public office holders are both unlawful and unacceptable.
