Human rights organisation Amnesty International and a coalition of civil society groups have demanded an immediate apology and retraction from Nyesom Wike over his controversial remark about a television presenter.
The groups were reacting to comments by Wike in which he said he would have “shot” Seun Okinbaloye during a live broadcast, following the journalist’s remarks on Nigeria’s political direction.
Amnesty International described the statement as “reckless and violent,” warning that such rhetoric from a senior public official could embolden attacks on journalists and undermine press freedom.
In a statement, the organisation stressed that the comment risks normalising violence against media practitioners, insisting that it contravenes democratic norms and must not be trivialised.
Similarly, a coalition of civil society and media organisations condemned the remark, noting that inflammatory language directed at journalists contributes to a climate of fear and weakens democratic institutions.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists also criticised the statement, calling it a direct threat to press freedom and demanding that the minister issue a public apology or face further action from the union.
Critics argue that comments of this nature, even if intended as hyperbole, are dangerous given the volatile political climate and the increasing risks faced by journalists in the line of duty.
However, Wike’s aides have sought to downplay the controversy, describing the remark as an exaggeration taken out of context and not a literal threat.
The incident has intensified debate over the safety of journalists and the tone of political discourse in Nigeria, with rights groups urging public officials to exercise restraint and uphold democratic values.
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