Wike threatens Channels TV journalist on live TV over 'one-party state' comments
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike told a live audience on Channels Television Friday that he "would have shot" political correspondent Seun Okinbaloye during Thursday's Politics Today show. The threat came after Okinbaloye criticized INEC's derecognition of ADC leadership, warning that eliminating opposition hopes ahead of 2027 "dooms us democratically." During Friday's media chat, Wike said: "If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him. How can an interviewer say we cannot allow a one-party state?" He later clarified he didn't mean physical harm but called the journalism problematic. Amnesty International Nigeria condemned Wike's "reckless and violent language," noting it violates broadcasting code and "normalizes violence against journalists." Fourteen civil society groups—including IPI, IPC, MRA, EiE, CJID, and YIAGA Africa—jointly demanded an apology, calling it an "undisguised" threat that creates climate of fear. Nigeria ranks 122 of 180 countries in press freedom—one of West Africa's most dangerous environments for journalists. The groups warn public officials' violent rhetoric endangers reporters and erodes democratic discourse. This incident reflects how political tensions around 2027 elections are already compromising media safety. When ministers can hypothetically threaten shooting journalists on air, what protections exist for reporters covering opposition parties? Citizens should recognize that attacks on press freedom often precede democratic backsliding. Are we witnessing normalization of violence against critics?