Wike defends leadership style, says politics is different from religion

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his approach to politics, saying political leadership should not be judged by the standards of religious ministry.

Speaking during a media chat in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Wike said being a Christian does not require him to conduct politics like a pastor, stressing that politics and religion operate under different principles.

The former Rivers State governor dismissed suggestions that he should emulate his father, who was a gospel preacher, in his political career.

“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, he 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?”

According to the minister, every profession has its own rules and expectations, noting that politics should not be evaluated using the standards applicable to 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 or that happened, I say you are talking theory,” he said.

Wike made the remarks amid continued criticism of his political style, particularly following his prolonged disagreement with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. He was responding to allegations that his actions were aimed at retaining control of Rivers State’s political structure after leaving office as governor.