The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his political style, declaring that his Christian faith does not require him to conduct himself like a cleric.
Speaking during a special media chat in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Wike stated that politics and religion are governed by different principles, insisting that 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 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.
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?”
Wike maintained that 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.
The minister’s remarks come amid continued criticism of his political approach, particularly following his prolonged rift with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Wike was responding to allegations that his actions in the state were driven by a desire to retain control over Rivers’ political structure despite leaving office as governor.
His comments were disclosed by the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka