Amnesty International has strongly condemned what it described as reckless and violent language used by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, after he suggested he could respond to a journalist by shooting.
In a statement obtained by The News Chronicle on Saturday, the rights group expressed concern over comments made by Wike during a live television appearance, where he said: “If there’s anyway to broke (sic) the screen, I would have shot him…” The organization argued that such remarks not only incite violence but also undermine press freedom and democratic accountability.
According to Amnesty International, the statement violates Nigeria’s broadcasting code, which is enforced by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission.
The group warned that comments from senior government officials that appear to threaten journalists risk normalizing violence against media professionals.
The organization further stressed that rhetoric of this nature, particularly from a member of Nigeria’s federal cabinet, is “unlawful and unacceptable,” adding that it could embolden attacks on journalists carrying out their duties.
Amnesty International called on Wike to immediately withdraw the statement and issue a public apology. It also urged Nigerian authorities to refrain from condoning what it described as lawless conduct by individuals close to power or affiliated with the ruling party.
