Amnesty International has condemned 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…”
Wike made the statement while reacting to the comment by Channels Television political editor that the Tinubu government was trying to impose a one party system in Nigeria following INEC’S decision to delist the David Mark led African Democratic Congress [ADC] leadership from its portal.
In a statement on Saturday, Amnesty International noted that apart from inciting violence, Wike’s remarks violated Nigeria’s broadcasting code that the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is supposed to be enforcing.
According to the statement, 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 statement concluded.
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