₦airaland Forum

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0a-rI7A7cE

By Daily Trust


Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is facing a wave of criticism following a controversial comment in which he suggested he would have “shot” a television presenter over remarks made during a live broadcast.

The comment, directed at Seun Okinbaloye of Channels Television, has ignited widespread backlash from media groups, civil society organisations, and members of the public.

The controversy stems from Wednesday’s edition of Politics Today, where Okinbaloye expressed concern about Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.

He noted that competitive politics strengthens democracy, warning against a situation where only one dominant party remains viable.

“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.

Reacting during his monthly media chat, Wike accused the journalist of abandoning neutrality and taking sides.

“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 clarified that he had no intention of physical harm, the remark has continued to draw sharp reactions, particularly from press freedom advocates.

In a joint statement signed by 14 organisations, a coalition of civil society and media rights groups condemned the comment and called for a public apology.

“Even if meant humorously, such rhetoric can be perceived as intimidation,” the statement read. “Conditional threats or violent expressions against journalists contribute to a climate of fear and undermine the principles of a free and independent press.”

The groups warned that such language, especially from high-ranking public officials, could embolden hostility toward journalists and weaken democratic accountability.

They also highlighted Nigeria’s press freedom challenges, noting that the country ranks 122 out of 180 on global press freedom indices, with journalists frequently facing harassment, surveillance, and arrest—particularly during election cycles.

The incident has also sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, where users expressed a mix of outrage, criticism, and sarcasm, with many calling the remark inappropriate and unbecoming of a public official.

Below are some reactions on Facebook:

Skyman Emmanuel, “Officer Yerima, where are you?”

Ogunyemi Olusayo, “I know he talks too much.”

Timothy Samuel, “Too much of alcohol!”
Emeka Bright Elem, “This Wike will be a dictator.”

https://dailytrust.com/wikes-threat-to-shoot-journalist-on-live-tv-sparks-outrage/

Yes, Wicke.d is a confirm terrorists

Wiked is a known killer.
Collect the remaining characters from bokoharam.

Uhrhobo has an adage that whom the gods want to destroy, they first make him go mad. Wike acts like the proverbial fly without a counselor that will follow the corpse into the grave.

Who the gods want to kpai

If this doesn't lead to his sack then it is unfortunate.
Every federal minister is a mouthpiece of the president. It is taken that their utterances are done with the support of the president. If Mr Tinubu does not support what Barr. Wike said, we should hear of his sack.

Thugs/Cultist holding key positions. Pathetic

Why is anyone surprised?

Make this people no push their luck too far oh! if military take over back, dem go use rope tie many of this people on pole for one corner, those of una wey no be gen z, una suppose know what comes next after military tie pesin on pole.

Whose outrage again, the man explained himself right there that he didn't mean it literally. Anyways, divert your sorry attentions from your sure losses as much as you can with irrelevancies. Na una sabi.

There is something fundamentally wrong with people who support APC. 😁

Nigerians are waiting for the downfall of the Emperor Wuke

Arrest wike or I get more angry

Too much whiskey
Body emaciation
Sense shrinkage

Is he not a cultist? Cultists kill

Hmmm! the media has started again. Their usual stock in trade is to create unnecessary controversies and twisting the words of the political figures they obviously do not like.
Only those who did not watch the media chat will buy into this shenanigans from a few mischievous Nigerian media.

-Kiss the truth!

Most of the insecurity in Nigeria are politically motivated!

What will now happen to arise tv guy

That one na bomb him go bomb am

For this one to have said this on national TV, only God knows what he has done

Thundafireseun:
Wike is right and has the right to say anything

no worry continue supporting evil,your karma no far walai

Which selective outrage? is it because he is not Fulani or Yoruba? Abeg forget that thing. Nigeria is a place where anything will now be accepted.

This criminal his end is here already and he will pay dearly for those who he has killed, he will not escape

Wike enjoys the attention and obidients are giving him the publicity for free. So they can't differentiate between joke again

Wike should withdraw his words here. Power is transient.

let us continue celebrating rubbish all in the name of politics, seun is saying the truth....when the government decides to use the judiciary to silence the opposition and we are all clapping calling it a masterpiece instead of criticizing it, now someone is thinking of shooting someone because he feels the person is opening another sight..

press9jatv:
Wike should withdraw his words here. Power is transient.

He should withdraw his words or what?

Charlatans in positions of authority. Why would I be surprised?

Wetin una dey expect? When na him principal the give am the go ahead to be this unlawful...... Reasons why a certain fake Nurtw chairman will openly threaten innocent electorate and nothing will happen.

A drunkard that supposed to be in prison is threatening to shoot someone.
Nigeria is a country In the past.

osuofia2:
Wike enjoys the attention and obidients are giving him the publicity for free.

Don't mind them. See them making a big deal out of this joke. Very emotional crybabies

I don't see the elements of leader in those leading us.