Amnesty International has criticised FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for suggesting he would have shot a journalist during a live TV broadcast, calling the remark dangerous and demanding an apology.
Amnesty International has condemned remarks by Nyesom Wike after the minister suggested he would have shot a journalist during a live broadcast on Arise TV. The rights group described the comment as “reckless and violent,” warning that such statements could endanger journalists in Nigeria.
During the interaction, Wike expressed irritation at a journalist’s question, saying: “If there’s anyway to broke (sic) the screen, I would have shot him…” Amnesty International said the language amounted to dangerous incitement to violence and violated Nigeria’s broadcasting code that the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission is mandated to enforce.
The organisation said comments from a senior government official risk “normalizing violence” against journalists and demanded an apology. “This level of violent intent coming from a member of Nigeria’s federal cabinet is unlawful and unacceptable. Mr. Wike must withdraw his violent statement immediately and apologise,” the group said.
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