‘Politics is not like church, I’m a Christian, not pastor,’ Wike defends political style
BY STEPHEN GBADAMOSI
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his political style, saying his faith does not require him to operate like a cleric.
Speaking during a special media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, at the weekend, Wike said politics and religion were governed by different principles, insisting that his critics failed 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.
He said these in a statement by his media aide, Mr. Lere Olayinka.
“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 with a query that “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 had 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 came amid continued criticism of his political style, particularly following his prolonged rift with Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
The minister was responding to claims that his actions in the state were driven by a desire to retain control over Rivers’ political structure despite leaving office as governor.
