Amnesty International, Civil Society groups condemn Wike’s threat to Journalist, warn of press freedom risks

By James Ike

Amnesty International, AI, together with a coalition of Nigerian civil society and media advocacy groups, has strongly condemned remarks by Minister Nyesom Wike, describing them as “reckless and violent” threats against Seun Okinbaloye, anchor of Politics Today on Channels Television.

The controversy began after Okinbaloye, during a live broadcast on Thursday, raised concerns that Nigeria appeared to be drifting toward a one-party state, a comment that reportedly unsettled the Minister.

“I am particularly pained because when one party dominates the ballot, and we are looking for the rest of the political parties. When some of us speak, it feels as though our mouths are smelling,” Okinbaloye said during the programme.

Wike later responded during a live media interaction, stating: “If there’s any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” while also criticizing Okinbaloye’s questioning style and opinions.

The statement provoked swift backlash. Amnesty International warned that such language from a federal minister could normalize violence against journalists and violates Nigeria’s broadcasting code, which the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission enforces.

“This level of violent intent from a member of Nigeria’s federal cabinet is unlawful and unacceptable. Mr. Wike must immediately retract his statement and issue a public apology,” Amnesty said.

The criticism was echoed by 14 civil society and media organisations, including the International Press Institute, Media Rights Agenda, YIAGA Africa, and the International Centre for Investigative Reporting.

The coalition described Wike’s remarks as a direct threat to press freedom and freedom of expression, emphasizing that even hypothetical violence from public officials cannot be dismissed as harmless.

“Such statements create a climate of fear for journalists, who already operate under significant pressure, and undermine public trust in democratic discourse,” the groups said, demanding an immediate apology to Okinbaloye.

Nigeria currently ranks 122 out of 180 countries on the global press freedom index, with journalists frequently facing harassment, intimidation, and arrest, particularly during politically sensitive periods.

Observers note that the incident highlights growing intolerance for dissenting voices and raises serious concerns about the safety of media practitioners and the state of free speech in the country.