Amnesty International has warned that the comment of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Nyesom Wike, that he felt like shooting Channels Television Politics Today’s anchor, Seun Okinbaloye, carries the danger of normalising violence.
During his regular media chat with journalists in Abuja on Friday aired live across multiple television networks, Wike described Okinbaloye’s remark suggesting Nigeria is doomed democratically under a one-party state as unprofessional.
Wike had said: “When I was watching Politics Today, Seun… If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him. How can you, as an interviewer, say we cannot have only one party? You are an interviewer; you are now telling them your own views. There is nothing wrong with asking your interviewee questions. But you are now the one on national television making that kind of statement, which means you have already taken a position.”
In reaction to Wike’s comment, Amnesty International said: “Amnesty International strongly condemns the reckless and violent language of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mr. Nyesom Wike in which he stated that he can respond to a statement by a journalist with shooting.
“Mr. Wike stated on live television that: ‘If there’s anyway to broke (sic) the screen, I would have shot him…’ Apart from inciting violence Wike’s remarks violated Nigeria’s broadcasting code that the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is supposed to be enforcing.
“What Wike said carries the danger of normalizing violence and encouraging the targeting of journalists for just doing their job. 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 apologize.”
The minister was reacting to Thursday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, which examined the leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) handling of the matter.