I’m Christian, not pastor; politics has its own rules - Wike

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has pushed back against criticism of his political conduct, asserting that his Christian faith does not compel him to act like a cleric. Wike clarified during a media event in Port Harcourt that politics and religious leadership operate under separate sets of rules.

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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.

Responding to suggestions that his political actions should mirror those of his late father, a gospel preacher, Wike emphasized that a parent's profession does not predetermine a child's path. He used his own family as an example, noting that he is a lawyer, but his son is not, and his wife is a judge, yet their son did not follow that profession.

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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 politics has its own distinct expectations and standards, just as ministry does. "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," he stated, dismissing critiques as theoretical.

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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.

The minister's remarks come amidst persistent criticism of his political strategies, particularly his ongoing conflict with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Wike has faced allegations of attempting to retain political control over Rivers State even after leaving the governorship.

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