Wike Defends Political Style, Says Politics Is Not Church

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended political style, saying his faith does not require him to operate like a cleric.

According to a post by his SSA on Public Communication and Social Media,Lere Olayinka, the minister made the statement while speaking during a special media chat in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Wike said politics and religion are governed by different principles, insisting that his critics fail to appreciate the realities of political engagement.

The former Rivers State governor dismissed suggestions that he should model his political conduct after his father, who was a gospel preacher.

“Politics is not like church. I’m a Christian but not a pastor. That my father is a pastor does not make me a pastor,” Wike said.

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Drawing a comparison with his own family, the minister added, “I am a lawyer but my second son is not a lawyer, so because his mother is a judge, does that make my son a judge?”

According to him, every profession has its own standards and expectations, stressing that politics cannot be judged by the same yardstick as religious ministry.

“The point is that, if you want to be a politician, there are rules and if you want to be a pastor, there are rules.

“That is why when I hear people saying they are angry because this happened, that happened, I say you are talking theory,” he stated.

Wike’s remarks come amid continued criticism of his political style, particularly following his prolonged rift with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The minister responding to claims that his actions in the state are driven by a desire to retain control over Rivers’ political structure despite leaving office as governor.