Wike Under Fire for Threatening to Shoot Seun Okinbaloye on Live TV
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has come under intense criticism after saying he would have “shot” Channels Television presenter, Seun Okinbaloye, over comments made on live television about Nigeria’s political direction.
The remark, which Wike made during his monthly media chat, has sparked outrage across social media, with many Nigerians, journalists, and civil society voices condemning what they described as a dangerous and irresponsible statement from a senior government official.
The controversy followed a recent edition of Politics Today on Channels Television, where Okinbaloye raised concerns about the state of opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general election.
During the programme, the anchor argued that democracy thrives better where there is genuine political competition, warning against a situation in which one party becomes overwhelmingly dominant.
“What makes the race very interesting is when it’s competitive and not when only one party stands… If this hope is dashed, we are doomed democratically speaking,” the presenter said, referencing challenges within opposition parties.
Wike, however, took exception to the comments and accused the journalist of abandoning professional neutrality.
“When I was watching Politics Today, Seun… If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” Wike said. “You are an interviewer; you are now telling them your own views… which means you have already taken a position.”
Although the minister later attempted to downplay the statement by suggesting he had no intention of carrying out physical harm, the comment has continued to generate widespread condemnation online.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, global
human rights organization, Amnesty International, faulted the minister’s outburst, describing it as a dangerous abuse of office and a threat to press freedom.
“Amnesty International strongly condemns 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…” Apart from inciting violence Wike’s remarks violated Nigeria’s broadcasting code that the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is supposed to be enforcing.
“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.”
Several Nigerians on X, also condemned the remark, with many accusing political office holders of repeatedly making inflammatory comments without consequences.
One user, Adinoyiisa, wrote, “It is very unfortunate that in Nigeria, the only people who seem to have immunity for making reckless statements and perpetrating crimes are politicians in power and never held accountable for their statements and actions.”
Another user, Ekeminita, said, “Wike’s outburst shows exactly what Seun warned about: zero tolerance for opposing views. A minister fantasizing about violence against a journalist on live TV? Democracy under this administration is clearly allergic to criticism.”
Also reacting, Okpiafoh_tee said, “In a working system, this man should have been questioned for making such statements but NO!!! They are above the law. Truly there was a country 🙂”
User @RealPatrickIgwe criticised the response of some journalists present at the media chat, writing, “And those journalist listening to him speak were actually laughing. No rebuttal no nothing. No wahala, this too shall pass”
Similarly, @Charles O condemned what he described as a failure by media practitioners to defend one of their own. “Your colleague is basically being threatened on live television. Context shouldn’t even matter at that moment. The least you should do is call him out and speak some sense into that madness. Instead, some of you were laughing along. Shameful… perhaps some of you are part of the famous $1000 envelope culture,” he wrote.
In the same vein, @OrjiKuramo said, “Those journalists he invites regularly think they are special – lmao. They are just pawns in his game. They had a chance to call him to order but the heavy brown envelope seemed to have blocked their vocal cord,” he stated.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
