Human rights group Amnesty International and several civil society organisations have condemned comments by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over a remark directed at Channels Television anchor, Seun Okinbaloye.
Wike, during a live media chat, said “he would have shot” the journalist over comments made on Politics Today concerning fears of a one-party state.
“I was thoroughly surprised yesterday when I was watching Seun’s Politics Today. If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” the Minister said.
The remark has drawn widespread criticism.
Amnesty International (AI) described it as dangerous and unacceptable.
According to AI, “Amnesty International strongly condemns the reckless and violent language… ‘If there’s any way to break the screen, I would have shot him…’
“What Wike said carries the danger of normalizing violence and encouraging the targeting of journalists for just doing their job… Mr. Wike must withdraw his violent statement immediately and apologize.”
A coalition of 14 civil society organisations also condemned the statement, warning it undermines press freedom.
The groups include the International Press Institute (IPI), Nigeria International Press Centre (IPC), Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE), Centre for Journalism Innovation & Development (CJID), Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), and YIAGA Africa.
Others are the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), Global Rights, Dataphyte Foundation, Accountability Lab Nigeria, TechHer, Kebekatche Women Development Resource Centre, and DigiCivic Initiative.
“Although Minister Wike later clarified that he did not intend to physically harm the journalist, we are of the firm view that even such hypothetical expressions of violent intent constitute a conditional threat and cannot be dismissed as harmless. Even if meant humorously, such rhetoric can be perceived as intimidation by both the journalist and the audience,” the coalition stated.
The groups noted that such remarks could create fear among journalists and weaken democratic accountability.
They also highlighted Nigeria’s low press freedom ranking, warning that hostile rhetoric from public officials could further endanger media professionals.
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