Amnesty International has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over what it described as a reckless and violent comment allegedly made against a journalist during a live television interview.
The rights group made its position known in a post on its
official X account on Saturday, stating that Wike’s statement was dangerous and
could encourage attacks on journalists.
According to Amnesty, Wike reportedly said, “If there’s any
way to broke (sic) the screen, I would have shot him…” — a remark the
organisation said raises serious concerns about safety and press freedom in
Nigeria.
Amnesty International described the comment as reckless and
violent language.
The group warned that such statements from a senior
government official could normalise violence against media practitioners.
It added that the remark carries the danger of normalising
violence and encouraging the targeting of journalists merely for doing their
job.
The organisation further stated that the comment violated
Nigeria’s broadcasting rules, which are designed to guide conduct on air, and
said the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission should be enforcing such standards.
According to Amnesty, the statement was unlawful and
unacceptable, particularly coming from a member of the federal cabinet.
The group called on Wike to withdraw the statement and
apologise, insisting that public officials must exercise caution with their
words.
“Mr Wike must withdraw his violent statement immediately and
apologise,” the organisation said.
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