Amnesty International Blasts Wike Over Violent Remark Against Journalist, Demands Apology

‎Amnesty International has condemned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over what it described as a reckless and violent remark allegedly made against a journalist during a live television interview.

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‎The human rights organisation made its position known in a post on its official X account on Saturday, stating that Wike’s comment was dangerous and could encourage attacks on journalists.

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‎According to Amnesty, Wike reportedly said, “If there’s any way to break the screen, I would have shot him…” a statement the group said raises serious concerns about the safety of media practitioners and press freedom in Nigeria.

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‎Amnesty International described the remark as reckless and violent language. The group warned that such statements from a senior government official could normalise violence against journalists, putting them at risk simply for doing their work.

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‎The organisation added that the comment also violated Nigeria’s broadcasting regulations, which guide conduct on air, and called on the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission to enforce these standards.

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‎Amnesty stressed that the statement was unlawful and unacceptable, particularly coming from a member of the federal cabinet. It urged Wike to retract his comment and issue a public apology, emphasising that public officials must exercise caution with their words.

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‎“Mr Wike must withdraw his violent statement immediately and apologise,” the organisation said.

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