Religious Leaders Shouldn't Be Partis

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised Cardinal John Onaiyekan over his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying religious leaders risk losing credibility if they are perceived as partisan. Wike stated this during the August edition of his monthly media chat, aired live on TVC on Tuesday. He was reacting to the controversy surrounding the recent meeting between Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria. The minister said he had no objection to religious leaders criticising governments but argued that such criticism should be balanced by acknowledging areas where an administration has performed well. “I have always said this, particularly to religious leaders. And I’m honest in this matter. I am not against comments about government, because if comments are not made about government, government may not be able to know areas where they should concentrate or focus.