Global rights group Amnesty International and several civil society organisations have criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over remarks perceived as a threat against Channels Television anchor, Seun Okinbaloye.
The backlash followed comments made by Okinbaloye during Politics Today, where he warned that Nigeria could be drifting toward a one-party state amid the controversy over the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership crisis and its derecognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Reacting during a live media chat on Friday, Wike said he was angered by the journalist’s comments, stating he “would have shot” Okinbaloye if possible, though he later clarified he did not intend physical harm.
In a statement on Saturday, Amnesty International condemned the remarks as “reckless and violent,” warning that such language could incite attacks on journalists and undermine media freedom. The organisation called on the minister to retract the statement and issue an apology.
Similarly, a coalition of 14 civil society organisations—including the International Press Institute, International Press Centre, Media Rights Agenda, Enough is Enough Nigeria, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, Centre for Media and Society, and YIAGA Africa—also demanded an apology.
The groups said Wike’s outburst, even if not intended literally, amounted to a conditional threat capable of intimidating journalists and eroding public trust in democratic discourse. They stressed that such rhetoric contributes to a climate of fear and weakens press freedom.
Citing Nigeria’s ranking of 122 out of 180 countries on global press freedom indices, the organisations warned that hostile statements by public officials could further endanger journalists, particularly during politically sensitive periods.
