Amnesty International has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over a comment he allegedly made about a journalist during a live television interview, describing it as reckless and dangerous.
The rights organisation made this known in a post shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, warning that such remarks could encourage attacks on journalists and threaten press freedom in Nigeria.
According to Amnesty International, 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.
The organisation described the comment as violent language, stressing that when such statements come from a senior government official, they risk normalising aggression against journalists simply for doing their job.
Amnesty International also noted that the remark violates Nigeria’s broadcasting rules, which are meant to regulate conduct on air, adding that the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission should ensure compliance with these standards.
It further described the statement as unlawful and unacceptable, particularly given Wike’s position as a member of the federal cabinet.
The group called on the minister to immediately withdraw the statement and issue a public apology, emphasising that public office holders must be mindful of their words and the impact they may have on society.
“Mr Wike must withdraw his violent statement immediately and apologise,” Amnesty International said, reiterating its call for respect for journalists and the protection of press freedom in the country.
