Omoyele Sowore, social rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, has described Nyesom Wike as a violent individual who “does not miss any opportunity to exhibit violence.”
Sowore made the allegation during a recent interview with journalists, citing past encounters and experiences to justify his claims.
His comments come on the heels of a recent controversy involving Wike and Seun Okinbaloye, a journalist with Channels Television, whom the minister had threatened over remarks suggesting Nigeria was drifting towards a one-party state.
Although Wike later clarified that his comment directed at Okinbaloye was figurative, the Nigeria Union of Journalists and several civil society organisations have demanded an unreserved apology.
Speaking further, Sowore said his past confrontations with Wike were not without reason, insisting they were based on personal experiences and information available to him.
“That was the reason why I fought Wike very hard at the time. Whenever you see me fighting somebody, take it home that there is something to it. There are things I know, there are things I’ve experienced, and sometimes there is information I have that other people don’t,” he said.
He alleged that Wike had a history of violent tendencies, including issuing threats against officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and displaying weapons at political rallies.
“Don’t take it for granted that Wike can kill somebody. He has done some of these things before. You saw instances where he threatened INEC officials and walked into rallies with a machete. He is a violent person, physically and mentally. He does not miss any opportunity to exhibit violence,” Sowore added.
The activist also took a swipe at Wike’s aide, Lere Olayinka, linking him to past controversies involving former Ekiti governor Ayodele Fayose.
Sowore further alleged that some of Wike’s associates have been involved in targeting and blackmailing journalists, though he did not provide specific evidence.
