Wike Clarifies Controversial Comments on Journalist Okinbaloye

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria, made a clarification regarding his previous comments about Seun Okinbaloye, a journalist with Channel Television. Initially, Wike's statement, which suggested he would "shoot" Okinbaloye, attracted widespread condemnation, including a response from Amnesty International, which labeled the remarks as reckless and violent.

In a statement released by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, Wike explained that his comments were meant to be hyperbolic and not to be taken literally. He emphasized that he holds Okinbaloye in high esteem and that the comments were made in an exaggerated context during a media chat.

Wike further clarified during a live television program with Chamberlain Uzor that he did not intend to carry out any violent act against the journalist. He urged the public to view his comments in the correct context and criticized those who misrepresented his words for political gain.