The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his comment suggesting he would have shot Seun Okinbaloye of Channels Television.
Wike had reacted to the journalist’s remarks that a one-party system could harm Nigeria’s democracy, stating, “If there was any way to break the screen (of the television), I would have shot him.”
Reacting, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi described the comment as “irresponsible and unacceptable,” warning that such rhetoric undermines freedom of expression.
He further raised concerns about what he described as a growing pattern under the administration of Bola Tinubu, alleging that journalists are now being targeted after opposition parties have been weakened.
The statement reads: “Wike threatening to shoot Seun Okinbaloye from Channels Television for doing his job as a journalist is irresponsible and unacceptable.
“This must be condemned by all lovers of freedom of speech. After destroying opposition parties, they now want to start shooting journalists.”