FCT Minister Nyesom Wike is facing a storm of condemnation after threatening to shoot a Channels Television journalist during a live broadcast, with Amnesty International and 14 civil society organisations demanding an immediate apology and retraction.
According to The Cable, the controversy erupted on Friday, April 3, when Wike, during a media chat in Abuja, directed a violent remark at Channels Television presenter Seun Okinbaloye over the journalist’s comments on the possibility of Nigeria becoming a one-party state ahead of the 2027 elections.
The controversy traces back to a recent edition of Politics Today, where Okinbaloye expressed concern about Nigeria’s political landscape, noting that competitive politics strengthens democracy and warning against a situation where only one dominant party remains viable.
Okinbaloye had specifically said that Nigeria is “doomed democratically” if the only viable opposition, the ADC is unable to contest the 2027 elections.
Wike’s response was explosive. Accusing the journalist of taking sides and abandoning neutrality, he said: “When I was watching Politics Today, Seun… If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him. You are an interviewer; you are now telling them your own views.”
Though Wike later clarified he meant no physical harm, the comment has sparked widespread outrage.
Channels Television reported that Amnesty International strongly condemned what it described as the minister’s reckless and violent language, warning that it carried the danger of normalising violence and encouraging the targeting of journalists for simply doing their jobs, adding that such intent from a member of Nigeria’s federal cabinet is unlawful and unacceptable.
The rights group demanded Wike withdraw the statement immediately and apologise.
A joint statement signed by 14 civil society groups including the International Press Institute, Media Rights Agenda, YIAGA Africa, the International Centre for Investigative Reporting, and Enough is Enough Nigeria also condemned the outburst, stating it undermines press freedom and freedom of expression.
The groups held that even hypothetical expressions of violent intent constitute a conditional threat and cannot be dismissed as harmless, adding that even if meant humorously, such rhetoric can be perceived as intimidation by both the journalist and the audience.
The coalition called on Wike to fully retract the statement, issue an apology to Okinbaloye and the wider media community, and reaffirm a clear commitment to non-violence and the defence of press freedom.
According to Daily Posts, the opposition also weighed in. The African Democratic Congress described Wike’s remarks as irresponsible and unacceptable, a direct attack on freedom of speech, and expressed concern that after undermining opposition parties, the Tinubu government is now targeting journalists.
The incident has put the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission in the spotlight, with critics questioning why the regulator often quick to sanction stations for perceived infractions has remained silent on the minister’s televised threat.
As of the time of this report, Wike had not issued a formal public apology.
