- The statement argued that such rhetoric reflects growing intolerance and poses a threat to democratic principles
- Olayinka added that Wike had since spoken with Okinbaloye, who understood the context of the statement
- He maintained that the minister did not intend any harm
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is facing widespread criticism from civil society groups, media organisations, and opposition figures over a controversial comment in which he said he would have “shot” a television presenter during a live programme.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the backlash followed remarks Wike made at a media briefing in Abuja while responding to comments by Seun Okinbaloye, a presenter on Politics Today.
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During the programme, Okinbaloye had expressed concerns about Nigeria potentially sliding into a one-party system amid internal challenges within the African Democratic Congress and what it could mean for opposition politics ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reacting, Wike said, “If there’s any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” a statement that has since drawn strong condemnation from multiple quarters.
Amnesty International Nigeria was among the earliest to respond, describing the remark as reckless and dangerous. The group warned that such language from a senior government official could embolden attacks on journalists and weaken press freedom.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the organisation cautioned that comments of that nature risk normalising violence and could encourage hostility toward media professionals carrying out their duties.
It also called on the minister to withdraw the statement and apologise publicly.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists also condemned the remark, describing it as a threat to the safety of journalists and a violation of press freedom.
Speaking to journalists, NUJ President Alhassan Yahaya expressed concern over what he described as a troubling development, noting that such statements from a serving minister set a dangerous precedent.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to caution Wike and demanded an immediate retraction and apology, warning that the union would take further action if necessary.
Similarly, the media office of Atiku Abubakar criticised the comment, calling it both disgraceful and alarming.
The statement argued that such rhetoric reflects growing intolerance and poses a threat to democratic principles, especially when directed at the press.
A coalition of organisations, including the International Press Institute, Media Rights Agenda, Enough is Enough Nigeria, and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, also condemned the remark.
In a joint statement, they warned that hostile language toward journalists creates fear and undermines democratic engagement.
The groups referenced constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of expression and the media’s role in holding government accountable, urging Wike to retract his statement and reaffirm his commitment to press freedom.
Opposition voices also weighed in, with Bolaji Abdullahi of the African Democratic Congress describing the comment as irresponsible and unacceptable, while calling on advocates of free speech to speak out.
The incident has further sparked reactions on social media, where activists such as Rinu Oduala and Deji Adeyanju criticised the remark and warned against intimidation of the media.
In response to the growing backlash, Wike’s aide, Lere Olayinka, defended the minister, saying the comment was not meant to be taken literally. He described it as an exaggeration made out of frustration and insisted it had been misunderstood.
Olayinka added that Wike had since spoken with Okinbaloye, who understood the context of the statement.
He maintained that the minister did not intend any harm and accused critics of deliberately misrepresenting the remark for political reasons.
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