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, the former Rivers State governor said many of his critics fail to understand that politics and religion operate under different principles.
Rejecting claims that he should emulate his late father, who was a gospel preacher, Wike maintained that every profession has its own rules and expectations.
“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.
To drive home his point, the FCT minister drew an analogy with his own family, arguing that a parent’s profession does not automatically determine the career path of their children.
“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 stressed that politics should not be judged by the standards of religious ministry, insisting that both callings are governed by different principles.
“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.
His remarks come amid sustained criticism of his political style, particularly over his prolonged face-off with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and allegations that he is seeking to maintain influence over the state’s political structure after leaving office as governor.
