The controversial Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has declared that he would have “shot” a Channels TV journalist, Seun Okinbaloye, for suggesting that President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) were plotting to create a one-party state in Nigeria.
Penpushing reports that Wike made the remarks while featuring with journalists on a broadcast live aired on various Television stations in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in reaction to the controversial de-recognition of David Mark-led national executive of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The anchor of the programme on Channels Television ‘Politics Today ‘on Thursday, expressed concern over the consequences of Nigeria transiting into a one-party state, stressing that he was pained.
“I am particularly pained because what makes the race (elections) very interesting is when it is competitive, not when only one party stands in the middle of the ballot. There are a lot of experienced men in the ADC…particularly, it (ADC) looks like one of the hopes of the opposition going into 2027. If this hope is dashed, we are doomed democratically’, Okinbaloye had said
Penpushing further reports, Wike, however, in his reaction, declared that he would have shot Okinbaloye for allegedly taking a position on the issue of a one-party state and the Adrcan Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership crisis.
“I was surprised yesterday (Thursday); totally surprised when I was watching Politics Today. Seun (Okinbaloye), if there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him’, Wike emphasised.
Penpushing also reports the Minister contended that, as a journalist, Okinbaloye was not supposed to present his personal opinion, maintaining that such conduct is unprofessional.
The Minister, a former Governor of Rivers State pointed out that Okinbaloye as an interviewer, was telling them his own views… which means he had already taken a position,
Penpushing report that, Wike, however, clarified later that he had no intention to physically harm Okinbaloye, after the’ Amnesty International reacted, but said his expression was borne out of anger over the journalist’s conduct
The Amnesty International described Wike’s remarks as reckless and violent, emphasizing that the remarks violated Nigeria’s broadcasting code, noting that the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is tasked to enforce the code.
“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. The Nigerian authorities must stop condoning such lawless acts when they come from those close to power or the ruling party’, Amnesty said.
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