Amnesty International has strongly criticised Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, over what it described as a reckless and troubling remark directed at a journalist during a live television interview.
In a statement shared on its official account on X on Saturday, the human rights organisation warned that such comments are not only irresponsible but also potentially dangerous. According to Amnesty International, remarks of this nature could incite hostility and increase the risk of attacks against journalists.
According to Amnesty, Wike reportedly said, “If there’s any way to break the screen, I would have shot him…” a statement the group said raises serious concerns about the safety of media practitioners and press freedom in Nigeria.
Amnesty International described the remark as reckless and violent language. The group warned that such statements from a senior government official could normalise violence against journalists, putting them at risk simply for doing their work.
The organisation added that the comment also violated Nigeria’s broadcasting regulations, which guide conduct on air, and called on the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission to enforce these standards.
Amnesty stressed that the statement was unlawful and unacceptable, particularly coming from a member of the federal cabinet. It urged Wike to retract his comment and issue a public apology, emphasising that public officials must exercise caution with their words.
“Mr Wike must withdraw his violent statement immediately and apologise,” the organisation said.
