By our reporter 4.4.2026
Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has been taken to task for his seemingly threatening remarks against Channels TV host Seun Okinbaloye.
Wike, during a chat with media representatives in Abuja had remarked that he could shoot the Politics Today talkshow host for saying Nigeria was heading to a one party State country.
“I was surprised yesterday; thoroughly surprised when I was watching Politics Today, Seun; if there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him and committed murder,” Wike said.
Amnesty International Nigeria took exception to the statement saying Wike was inciting violence with his “reckless” statement, which also violates the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission’s code.
“Amnesty International strongly condemns 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,” the statement read in part.
The organisation further noted that Mr Wike’s comment poses the danger of normalising violence against journalists in Nigeria for doing their job.
“What Wike said carries the danger of normalizing violence and encouraging the targeting of journalists for just doing their job. This level of violent intent coming from a member of Nigeria’s federal cabinet is unlawful and unacceptable. Mr. Wike must withdraw his violent statement immediately and apologize,” Amnesty International said.