Amnesty International Knocks FCT Minister Wike Over Threat To Shoot Channels TV’s Seun
International human rights Group, the Amnesty International, has unequivocally condemned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, following his “reckless and violent” outburst where he (Wike) expressed his wish to shot a Channels TV journalist, Seun Okinbaloye, during a live television broadcast.
The minister, known for his controversial and inciteful rhetoric, made the comments during a live interaction with Arise TV, sparking immediate backlash from civil rights advocates who have raised concerns that the remarks endanger the lives of media practitioners in Nigeria.
The incident had occurred during a media chat in Abuja on April 3 where Wike addressed political rifts — especially the one-party state claims ahead of the 2027 elections. Wike made this alleged threat while reacting to the one party state comments made by Okinbaloye on Politics Today, where the journalist had discussed opposition concerns — particularly involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In his remarks, Minister Wike said he “would have shot” Okinbaloye if it were possible to reach him through the TV screen.
In a statement shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday, Amnesty International described the minister’s language as a dangerous incitement to violence that violates both domestic laws and international human rights standards.
“Apart from inciting violence, Wike’s remarks violated Nigeria’s broadcasting code that the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is supposed to be enforcing,” the rights group noted.
Amnesty International further warned that such violent intent from a high-profiled member of Tinubu’s cabinet, carries the risk of “normalizing violence” and portraying Wike as a bully of journalists performing their professional duties.
“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 statement added.
The incident has once again put the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in the spotlight, with critics querying the transparency and independence of the regulator — often quick to sanction stations for perceived infractions — has remained silent on the controversial minister’s televised threat.