A legal practitioner, Liborous Oshoma, has reacted to the controversial remark made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, about a television presenter. Oshoma explained that the Nigerian Constitution, particularly Section 22, gives the media the responsibility to hold the government accountable, making it important for public officials to respect journalists and their role in society.
During an interview on News Central TV, he argued that even if the minister later claimed his statement was not meant to be taken literally, the manner in which it was expressed raises serious concerns. According to Oshoma, the key issue is not just the explanation given afterward, but the implication of such words, especially when coming from a powerful government official.
Oshoma also pointed out that public figures like the minister have many followers who may not fully understand figurative language. Because of this, statements made in anger or frustration could be misinterpreted and possibly lead to harmful actions by supporters who take such words seriously.
He further suggested that the minister’s explanation might have come after realizing the weight of his statement. Oshoma emphasized that the real focus should be on whether the journalist’s comments were truthful and whether they were part of the media’s duty to promote accountability in governance.
In his words, “The two questions for me are how the minister shoots people who dissent from his opinion, considering his loquacious nature and his braggadocio…See More
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