Amnesty International has urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to withdraw his ‘violent statement’ immediately and apologise.

Reactions have continued to trail remarks by Wike directed at Channels Television presenter, Seun Okinbaloye, during a media chat in Abuja on Friday.

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, had expressed concern that the 2027 elections were shaping up to 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 a post on its official X account, Amnesty International said it “strongly condemned the reckless and violent language of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mr. Nyesom Wike in which he stated that he can respond to a statement by a journalist with shooting.

“Mr. Wike stated on live television that: “If there’s anyway to broke (sic) the screen, I would have shot him…” Apart from inciting violence Wike’s remarks violated Nigeria’s broadcasting code that the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is supposed to be enforcing.”

According to Amnesty International, what Wike said carries the danger of normalising violence and encouraging the targeting of journalists for just doing their job.

It added that this level of violent intent coming from a member of Nigeria’s federal cabinet is unlawful and unacceptable, calling on the FCT Minister to withdraw his violent statement immediately and apologise. (Guardian)

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