Global human rights watchdog, Amnesty International, has sharply condemned Nyesom Wike following his shocking claim during a live broadcast that he “would have shot” Seun Okinbaloye if he could reach him through the television screen.
The remarks, made during an interview in Abuja on April 3, immediately drew outrage from civil rights advocates, who warned that such violent rhetoric puts Nigerian journalists at serious risk. Wike was responding to questions on political tensions, including concerns about a potential one-party state ahead of the 2027 elections, and reacted angrily to Okinbaloye’s commentary on opposition parties, notably the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday, Amnesty International labeled Wike’s comments “reckless and dangerous,” noting that they breach both Nigerian law and international human rights standards.
“Apart from inciting violence, Wike’s remarks violated Nigeria’s broadcasting code that the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is supposed to enforce,” the statement read.
The Organisation warned that violent threats from a senior federal official risk normalising aggression against journalists and could endanger the lives of media professionals simply for doing their jobs. “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 apologise,” Amnesty stated.
The incident has reignited criticism of the NBC, with observers questioning why the regulator has not acted despite its history of sanctioning media houses for lesser infractions. Wike’s tenure as FCT Minister has been controversial, but this public threat marks a new low in government-media relations in Nigeria.
