Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, is facing heavy criticism after making a controversial statement about TV presenter Seun Okinbaloye. During a recent media chat, Wike said he felt like “shooting” the journalist while watching a live broadcast, a comment that has since caused public outrage.

The remark was linked to a segment on Politics Today, where Okinbaloye spoke about the importance of strong opposition ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections. He explained that democracy works better when more than one political party is active and competitive.

Reacting to this, Wike accused the presenter of being biased and sharing personal opinions instead of remaining neutral as a journalist. He said the comment made him angry, adding that if it were possible, he would have “shot the screen.” Although he later explained that he did not mean it literally, many people were not convinced.

Several civil society groups and media organisations have condemned the statement. They warned that such words, even if said as a joke, can be seen as a threat and may create fear among journalists. They also called on the minister to apologise publicly.

The situation has sparked strong reactions online, with many Nigerians criticizing the comment and questioning the behavior of public officials. Others made sarcastic remarks, while some expressed concern about press freedom and the safety of journalists in the country.