Wike faults Onaiyekan, says religious leaders shouldn’t be partisan

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has voiced criticism against Cardinal John Onaiyekan, asserting that religious leaders should avoid partisanship to maintain their credibility.

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I have always said this, particularly to religious leaders. And I’m honest in this matter. I am not against comments about government, because if comments are not made about government, government may not be able to know areas where they should concentrate or focus.

Wike's remarks, made during a media chat, were a reaction to Cardinal Onaiyekan's criticisms of President Bola Tinubu's administration. The minister argued that while criticism of government is acceptable and even necessary for accountability, it should be balanced. He believes religious leaders risk alienating their audience if they are perceived as consistently taking sides or being overly critical without acknowledging any positive developments.

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If you are a religious leader, and it is perceived or seen you are taking a side, which is very clear, it becomes difficult for people to begin to see those comments as being helpful or real.

"If you are a religious leader, and it is perceived or seen you are taking a side, which is very clear, it becomes difficult for people to begin to see those comments as being helpful or real," Wike stated. He specifically referenced Cardinal Onaiyekan's disposition towards the current administration, suggesting it has been consistently negative. Wike contended that hearing only negative commentary could prompt the government to view such criticism as stemming from opposition rather than constructive feedback.

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You don’t every time say things are bad, things are bad. Nobody has heard him say one day government has done this well.

Wike further challenged the notion of religious leaders remaining politically neutral, particularly in light of the 2023 general election. He asserted that many religious leaders openly took sides during the election period, making claims of neutrality difficult to accept. He advocated for a more balanced approach, where leaders commend government actions when they are commendable, while also offering constructive criticism on areas needing improvement.

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But if your comments are every time nothing positive, then government must worry about you. Government will begin to think that you are merely criticising because you’re opposed to the government.