By Awojobi Khadijat
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is facing widespread outrage after he suggested during a media chat that he would have “shot” a television presenter over comments made during a live broadcast earlier in the week.
The controversy erupted following Wike’s monthly media briefing in Abuja, where he reacted to Wednesday’s edition of Channels TV’s Politics Today. During that programme, presenter Seun Okinbaloye had expressed concern about Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that a lack of competitive opposition could be detrimental to democracy.
In response, the FCT minister angrily accused the journalist of abandoning neutrality and taking sides.
“When I was watching Politics Today, Seun… If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” Wike said. “You are an interviewer; you are now telling them your own views… which means you have already taken a position.”
Although the minister later clarified that he had no intention of physical harm, the remark has drawn sharp condemnation from press freedom advocates.
Furthermore, A joint statement signed by 14 organisations, civil society and media rights groups warned that such rhetoric from a high-ranking public official could embolden hostility toward journalists and weaken democratic accountability. They also highlighted Nigeria’s poor press freedom record, noting the country ranks 122 out of 180 globally, with journalists frequently facing harassment and arrest.
The incident has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with many users expressing outrage and calling the comment inappropriate and unbecoming of a public official. The coalition has demanded a public apology from Wike, stressing that even conditional threats against journalists contribute to a climate of fear and undermine the principles of a free and independent press.
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