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