Seun Okinbaloye, an anchor for Channels Television, has responded to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, saying that he is not afraid and would not be scared after the minister’s notorious “shoot” comment.
Okinbaloye talked about the outrage that followed the minister’s comment yesterday. The comment has continued to get a lot of attention.
The argument started when Nyesom Wike responded to comments made by the host of his show Politics Today during a media discussion. The host had warned that a one-party system may be a severe threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
The minister was cited as stating, “If there was any way to break the screen of the TV, I would have shot him.”
Amnesty International and many others condemned the statement. The group said the minister used “reckless and violent language” that might make attacks on journalists seem normal.
Okinbaloye, on the other hand, stood by his views and stressed that the dangers of a one-party system should not be overlooked and that democratic values should be protected.
He stated, “Our democracy is in danger if we allow one-way traffic in voting,” adding that his statements were meant for all Nigerians, not just one political party.
He also said that the minister later called him to explain what he meant, but he still believes that threats and violent language have no place in a democracy. He also said that he will continue to ask tough questions and hold those in power accountable.
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