KEY POINTS

• FCT Minister Nyesom Wike sparked outrage after saying he would “shoot” Channels TV anchor Seun Okinbaloye, later describing the remark as hyperbolic.
• Okinbaloye accepted the clarification but vowed not to be intimidated, stressing that violent rhetoric has no place in democracy.
• AAC called for Wike’s arrest while Amnesty International warned the statement could normalize threats against journalists and undermine press freedom.

Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has come under heavy criticism after he said he would “shoot” Seun Okinbaloye during a heated exchange over concerns that Nigeria could drift toward a one-party state.

The comment quickly generated outrage across media and civil society circles, with critics warning that such rhetoric from a senior public official could endanger press freedom and democratic discourse.

Wike later clarified that his statement was not intended as a literal threat, describing the remark as hyperbolic. He explained that he did not mean any harm toward the Channels Television anchor.

Okinbaloye acknowledged the clarification and accepted the apology but stressed that violent language, particularly from public officials, has no place in a democratic society.

Okinbaloye Says He Won’t Be Intimidated

Despite the controversy, Okinbaloye maintained a firm stance, declaring that he would continue to hold those in power accountable. He emphasized that journalists must not be cowed by threats or hostile rhetoric, noting that democratic governance thrives on scrutiny and open dialogue.

“I’m not afraid and will never be intimidated,” he said, reiterating his commitment to professional journalism and accountability.

The incident has since triggered widespread condemnation from media organisations and civil society groups, many of which called on Wike to issue a stronger apology and reaffirm his commitment to press freedom and protection of journalists.

The African Action Congress (AAC) went further by calling for Wike’s arrest, citing what it described as a pattern of threats against public officials and institutions, including personnel of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Similarly, Amnesty International accused the FCT minister of promoting rhetoric that could embolden violence against journalists. The rights group warned that statements suggesting harm against media practitioners risk normalising hostility toward the press and undermining democratic norms.