Nyeson Wike

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Amnesty International has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over what it described as a dangerous outburst directed at a journalist during a live television appearance.

The condemnation followed comments Wike made during an Arise TV broadcast, where he reacted angrily to a line of questioning. During the exchange, he said: “If there’s anyway to broke (sic) the screen, I would have shot him…”

The minister’s remark targeted Channels TV presenter, Seun Okinbaloye, and has drawn strong reactions from rights groups and media advocates across the country.

The incident took place during a media chat in Abuja on April 3. Wike addressed ongoing political tensions. He spoke on concerns about a possible one-party system ahead of the 2027 general elections. His comments came in response to views earlier expressed by Okinbaloye on Politics Today, where opposition worries, including those linked to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), were discussed.

In a statement posted on its official X handle on Saturday, Amnesty International described the minister’s words as reckless and capable of encouraging violence against journalists.

“Apart from inciting violence, Wike’s remarks violated Nigeria’s broadcasting code that the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is supposed to be enforcing,” the organisation stated.

The group warned that such statements from a senior government official could create a climate where attacks on media professionals become more likely. It added that the comment risks portraying journalists as targets for simply carrying out their duties.

“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 apologise,” the statement added.

The development has also renewed scrutiny of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission. Critics have questioned why the regulator has not taken action, despite its record of sanctioning media organisations for perceived violations.

Wike’s time in office has been marked by several controversies. Observers say the latest incident signals growing tension between public officials and the media.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Leaders and support groups within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have threatened to hold nationwide protests unless President Bola Tinubu dismisses the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The ultimatum was issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the APC Leaders Forum and the Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement. Protesters marched to the national party secretariat bearing placards and a formal letter demanding Wike’s immediate removal from office.

They accused the former Governor of Rivers State of anti-party activities, insubordination, and actively undermining unity within the APC.

The groups cited Wike’s recent criticisms of party officials and his continued interference in the politics of Rivers State as actions that threaten the party’s cohesion and prospects in the 2027 general elections.

The coalition vowed to intensify demonstrations, spreading them across all states and local government areas, until their demand is met.

This confrontation underscores the deepening rifts within the APC, as Wike a former chieftain of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)continues to face fierce opposition from party loyalists despite his key ministerial role.

Internal party sources indicate that resolving this conflict is seen as crucial for the APC’s strategic planning ahead of the next election cycle.

By Wathrayel Bassi Amos

‎The recent altercation between Minister Nyesom Wike and a young Naval officer exposes the deeper structural flaws troubling Nigeria’s democracy. This was not an isolated incident, but a symptom of a long-standing decay—marked by the misuse of law enforcement agencies and the erosion of democratic principles.

Nigerians have watched security operatives act in ways that raise doubts about where their true loyalty lies: to the nation, the law, or to those in positions of power.‎‎In present-day Nigeria, it often takes only a minor disagreement for an influential figure to unleash security agents to pursue personal interests.

From Lagos to Kogi, Rivers, and Abuja, we have witnessed operatives carrying out unlawful instructions for political or private gain. This impunity thrives on the weakening of democratic institutions and the deepening divisions within the political system.‎‎

Regardless of the situation, Minister Wike had no justification for personally confronting military officers executing a lawful directive from their command. As a senior government official, he was expected to act with restraint and pursue the proper channels.

If he believed that the land in question was unlawfully acquired by a former Naval Chief, the appropriate step would have been to compile evidence and submit it to relevant authorities or the courts.‎‎

Ideally, Wike could have written formally to the Minister of Defence to request an investigation, or sought redress through legal means—if the matter was not already under litigation. However, by storming the site with armed escorts and verbally abusing a commissioned officer, even calling him a “fool,” the Minister displayed poor judgment and conduct unbecoming of his office.‎‎

This episode underscores the fragility of Nigeria’s democracy and the rising public resentment toward the political class. While the government has a legitimate duty to demolish illegal structures in the Federal Capital Territory and beyond, such actions must always respect due process and human rights.

‎‎Beyond Wike’s behavior, the incident also exposes the equally troubling misuse of state resources by powerful figures. It was wrong for a former Chief of Naval Staff to deploy serving officers—funded by taxpayers—to secure a private property under dispute. Such acts represent the growing trend of elites using national security assets for personal protection and gain.‎‎

No serious nation should condone the disgraceful scene that unfolded between Wike and the Naval officer. It tarnishes Nigeria’s image and erodes public trust in governance. The President must act decisively to end this culture of impunity.

True leadership demands composure, adherence to due process, and respect for democratic values. When public officials behave as masters rather than servants of the people, the very foundations of governance begin to collapse.

‎‎Wathrayel Bassi Amos wrote from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri. ‎

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has revealed the reason behind appointing Nyesom Wike as his Chief of Staff during his tenure as Governor of Rivers State.

According to Amaechi, he deliberately chose Wike for the position instead of making him Commissioner for Finance so he could keep a close eye on him.

His comments came in response to Wike’s recent jibe at him following Amaechi’s statement, “We’re all hungry,” made during his 60th birthday celebration.

Wike had dismissed the remark, claiming the former governor was not hungry for food, but for political recognition.

Appearing on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Tuesday, Amaechi said he had no interest in exchanging words with Wike.

“God, Peter Odili, the judiciary and the Rivers state people made me governor,” he said.

Challenging Wike’s claim of playing a role in his political rise, Amaechi asked, “Ask him how he made me governor. I’m saying this because I don’t want to join issues with children.”

He stated further: “I wanted him as chief of staff so I could supervise him. I didn’t offer him commissioner for finance. You see, I’m saying this because I don’t want to join issues with children.”

In another veiled swipe, he added, “You know, he made himself chief of staff. He made himself governor. He made himself minister. He made himself local government chairman.”

Amaechi’s remarks are the latest in an ongoing war of words between the two political figures who were once allies in Rivers State but have since become bitter rivals.

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara at his Bourdillon residence in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The meeting, which was not previously announced, comes amid ongoing political turbulence in Rivers State.

Neither the presidency nor Fubara’s camp has released an official statement on the meeting, but it is widely seen as part of efforts to resolve the deepening crisis in the state.

The Daily Reality reports that Governor Fubara has faced relentless opposition since assuming office in 2023.

His dispute with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, led to Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers on May 18, 2025.

In his announcement, Tinubu cited the collapse of democratic structures in the state, pointing to the December 2023 demolition of the House of Assembly and the prolonged deadlock that followed.

The Supreme Court also weighed in on February 28, 2025, stating that there was effectively no government in Rivers due to the absence of a functioning legislature.

As political watchers await an official update, Tinubu’s meeting with Fubara has heightened expectations for a breakthrough in the lingering crisis.