Wike Critiques Onaiyekan on Religious Partisanship

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, criticized Cardinal John Onaiyekan for his ongoing negative comments regarding President Bola Tinubu’s administration. During his monthly media chat aired on TVC, Wike argued that religious leaders risk losing credibility if they are perceived as partisan.

He acknowledged that while criticism of the government is necessary, it should be balanced with recognition of the administration's successes. Wike stated that consistent negative commentary could lead to perceptions of bias, making it difficult for the public to view such comments as constructive.

He also rejected the notion that religious leaders were politically neutral during the 2023 general elections, asserting that many openly took sides. Wike's comments reflect a broader concern about the role of religious leaders in politics and their influence on public perception of government performance.