By Our Correspondent
National News – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has come under heavy criticism after saying he would have “shot” a television anchor during a live broadcast discussion, sparking outrage among journalists, civil society organisations and opposition figures across Nigeria.
The remark was made in Abuja during a media parley on April 5, 2026, after the minister reacted to comments by Channels Television anchor, Seun Okinbaloye, who had questioned whether Nigeria might drift toward a one-party state amid leadership disputes within opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
During the discussion, Okinbaloye raised concerns about the implications of the crisis in the African Democratic Congress and the broader future of opposition politics in Nigeria.
Responding angrily, Wike said that if there was a way to break the television screen, he would have “shot” the journalist.
The comment quickly triggered widespread reactions on social media and among media advocacy groups.
Human rights organisation Amnesty International Nigeria described the remark as reckless and dangerous, warning that violent rhetoric from a senior government official could encourage attacks on journalists and weaken press freedom.
The organisation urged the minister to withdraw the statement immediately and issue a public apology.
Similarly, the Nigeria Union of Journalists condemned the statement and demanded that the minister retract his words.
NUJ President Alhassan Yahaya said such language from a serving minister set a troubling precedent and threatened the safety of media professionals.
The union also called on the Federal Government to caution the minister to prevent intimidation of journalists.
Opposition voices also criticised the comment.
The Atiku Media Office described Wike’s remark as disgraceful and a sign of growing intolerance toward the press.
Several civil society groups, including media rights organisations, warned that hostile language against journalists could damage democratic institutions and public trust.
However, Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, defended the minister, saying the statement was hyperbolic and not intended as a literal threat.
According to him, the minister later spoke with Okinbaloye and clarified that the remark was an exaggerated expression of frustration rather than an intention to cause harm.
