Wike Urges Religious Leaders to Balance Criticism with Praise for Government

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged religious leaders to acknowledge the achievements of government alongside their criticisms, saying balanced commentary would strengthen public confidence in their interventions.

Wike made the remarks during his monthly media chat while reacting to recent comments by the Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, on the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

According to the minister, religious leaders have a responsibility to offer constructive criticism but should avoid creating the impression that they are consistently aligned with the opposition.

“I have always said this to religious leaders and elder statesmen that I’m not against comments about government because if comments are not made about government, it would not be able to know areas to concentrate or focus,” Wike said.

‘Be balanced in your assessment’

The FCT minister acknowledged Cardinal Onaiyekan’s right to express his views but argued that public figures should also recognise government achievements where necessary.

“If you are a religious leader and it’s perceived or seen that you are taking a side which is very clear, it becomes difficult for people to begin to see those comments as being careful. I’m aware of the position of Cardinal Onaiyekan; all of us know that it’s not hidden,” he stated.

Wike maintained that consistently highlighting only the government’s shortcomings could undermine the credibility of such criticism.

“Every time people hear you say things are bad but nobody has heard you say that the government has done this well. The point I’m trying to make is that as a leader, commend the government when it has done well in some areas, criticise the government in the areas needed, not that every time nothing positive.

“The government will begin to think that you are merely criticising because you are opposed to government,” he added.

The comments come amid ongoing public debate over the Tinubu administration’s policies, with religious leaders, civil society groups and opposition figures continuing to express differing views on the country’s economic and security challenges.