Amnesty International has strongly condemned the “reckless and violent” remarks made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following his controversial statement about a television journalist.
In a press release, Amnesty International criticized Wike’s comment during a live broadcast where he said, “If there’s anyway to broke (sic) the screen, I would have shot him…” describing it as dangerous and capable of inciting violence.
The organization warned that such rhetoric, especially from a high-ranking government official, risks normalizing attacks on journalists and undermining press freedom in Nigeria.
“What Wike said carries the danger of normalizing violence and encouraging the targeting of journalists for just doing their job. This level of violent intent coming from a member of Nigeria’s federal cabinet is unlawful and unacceptable,” the statement read.
Amnesty also pointed out that the remarks violate Nigeria’s broadcasting regulations, which are enforced by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
The rights group called on the FCT Minister to immediately retract his statement and issue a public apology, stressing that authorities must not ignore or excuse such conduct.
“Mr. Wike must withdraw his violent statement immediately and apologize. The Nigerian authorities must stop condoning such lawless acts when they come from those close to power or the ruling party,” Amnesty added.