Ejiofor Condemns Wike’s Remarks in Church, Describes Them as Desecration of Sacred Space

Human rights lawyer and Knight of the Anglican Communion, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has condemned the remarks made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, during a testimony session at the St. James Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja, describing them as a desecration of a sacred space and a national embarrassment.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, Ejiofor expressed outrage over what he termed Wike’s “unholy outburst,” noting that the former Rivers State Governor’s comments were politically charged, inappropriate, and disrespectful to the sanctity of the church altar.

Wike, who had attended a thanksgiving service at the church, used the opportunity to launch political remarks, including statements such as “Peter Obi can’t be president,” and criticism of church leaders for their role during the 2023 general elections.

He accused them of almost “collapsing Nigeria” with their support for particular candidates, an apparent reference to the Labour Party’s presidential candidate.

Ejiofor, a prominent legal practitioner and known for his activism, reacted by saying that the minister’s comments were not only unbecoming of a public office holder but also a clear affront to the dignity of a place of worship.

He said, “What Nigerians witnessed from Nyesom Wike on the sacred altar of God on Sunday was nothing short of political grandstanding, reckless vituperation, and a desecration of God’s sanctuary.

This is a national embarrassment carried out in the most sacred space, a house of worship that should be devoid of political rancor and divisiveness.”

According to Ejiofor, Wike’s remarks were made despite subtle gestures from the church leadership signaling discomfort and urging restraint.

“It was evident that the presiding priest and senior clergymen were alarmed and visibly shaken by Wike’s utterances. They repeatedly passed subtle signals to him to stop, but he continued,” he stated.

He accused Wike of dragging the altar of God “into the gutters of ego and arrogance,” adding that it sets a dangerous precedent for other political leaders who may feel emboldened to turn sacred spaces into platforms for political warfare.

Ejiofor called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene by calling the FCT Minister to order and issuing a public reprimand over what he called a disgraceful display of conduct. He further urged that Wike be subjected to a comprehensive psychological evaluation to determine his fitness for public office.

“The President must not allow this conduct to go unchallenged. The actions of Nyesom Wike at the St. James Anglican Church in Asokoro amount to a clear breach of ethical conduct and public decency,” Ejiofor added.

The lawyer noted that Wike’s conduct not only insulted the religious community but undermined the unity and peace of the country, especially at a time when national healing and cohesion are desperately needed.

Ejiofor concluded by appealing to religious institutions to uphold the sanctity of the altar and resist the temptation to allow politicians hijack their platforms for personal or partisan purposes.

The incident has since sparked mixed reactions across social and political circles, with many expressing concern over the growing trend of politicization of religious gatherings in Nigeria.