Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his political approach, asserting that being a Christian does not mean he must conduct himself like a clergyman, as politics and religion operate under entirely distinct rules.

Speaking during a media briefing in Port Harcourt, Wike responded to critics who suggested his political behavior should mirror that of his father, who was a gospel preacher.

Dismissing the comparison, the former Rivers State governor argued that a parent’s profession does not dictate the path or standard expected of a child.

Wike emphasized that politics is not the church, declaring that while he is a Christian, he is not a pastor, and his father’s occupation does not automatically make him one. To illustrate his point, he drew a parallel to his own household, noting that while he is a lawyer and his wife is a judge, those roles do not automatically make their son a judge or lawyer.

He stressed that every profession operates under its own governing principles, meaning politicians and pastors must be evaluated according to the realities of their respective vocations rather than theoretical expectations.

The minister’s remarks come amid ongoing public scrutiny of his assertive political strategy, particularly regarding his high-profile rift with his successor, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.