The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has disagreed with the founder of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Pastor Paul Enenche, over political discussions during the commissioning of a pedestrian flyover constructed by the church at its headquarters in Abuja.
Wike made his position known on Friday while speaking at the commissioning ceremony, where he revealed that Enenche had cautioned him against campaigning or discussing politics at the event.
However, the FCT minister argued that preaching against bad governance also amounts to political discourse, insisting that he would not refrain from discussing politics simply because he had been asked to do so.
According to Wike, the commissioning of a major project should involve more than thanking God and leaving without addressing broader societal issues.
Wike Explains Why He Will Discuss Politics
Speaking at the event, Wike recalled that he had informed Enenche weeks earlier that he intended to use the occasion to make political remarks.
The minister also drew a comparison between political discussions at public events and sermons against bad governance, arguing that both touch on political issues.
He said: “The Chairman of AMAC, even though I have been asked by Pastor Paul Enenche not to campaign here, I already told him some weeks ago at the Idoma Hall of Fame event while delivering a paper that I was coming to use it as an opportunity, even in the church when he preaches, he talks about bad governance and that is politics.
“So, commissioning a project like this is not something we’ll just come and thank God and go. No, it’s not going to work.”
Wike’s remarks highlighted his disagreement with the pastor’s request to keep political campaigning and discussions out of the commissioning ceremony.
Wike Recalls First Encounter With Pastor Enenche
The FCT minister also reflected on his first encounter with Enenche and his wife in 2015, when he was serving as governor of Rivers State.
According to Wike, he invited the pastor and his wife to participate in an end-of-year programme focused on praise, singing and thanksgiving to God.
He said: “Let me say clearly and for the society to hear, when I was governor in 2015, that was my first time I had an encounter with Paul Enenche and his wife.
“I invited him for the year ending, praising singing and thanking God and that was my first encounter with them.”
The recollection provided background to Wike’s relationship with the Dunamis founder, as the minister addressed the disagreement over political remarks at the church’s flyover commissioning.
Background to the Disagreement
The disagreement arose during the commissioning of a pedestrian flyover built by Dunamis International Gospel Centre at its headquarters in Abuja.
While Enenche reportedly cautioned Wike against campaigning or discussing politics at the event, the minister maintained that issues relating to bad governance could not be entirely separated from politics.
Wike insisted that he would not limit his remarks to expressions of gratitude over the project, arguing that the occasion also presented an opportunity to address issues affecting society.