The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his approach to politics, insisting that being a Christian does not mean he must conduct himself like a pastor.
Speaking during a special media chat in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Wike said politics and religion are governed by different principles and should not be judged by the same standards.
His comments were shared by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, via X.
Responding to criticism over his political style, Wike dismissed suggestions that he should emulate his late 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.
The former Rivers State governor used his family as an example to explain that children are not obligated to follow the professions of their parents.
“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?” he asked.
According to Wike, politics has its own rules, just as the ministry has its own expectations.
“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.
The minister’s remarks come amid continued criticism of his political conduct, particularly his prolonged disagreement with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Wike was responding to allegations that his actions in Rivers politics were motivated by a desire to retain influence after leaving office as governor.
