The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has debunked reports circulating on both social and traditional media suggesting that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Wike, used its pulpit for political commentary during a thanksgiving service last Sunday.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Communications, Church of Nigeria, Korede Akintunde, the Church clarified that Minister Wike was not given a platform for political rhetoric or jabs, but was simply invited to share testimonies related to recent projects commissioned under his administration.
“The comments made by the Minister are entirely his own and do not reflect the views of the Parish leadership or the Church of Nigeria,” Akintunde stated.
Reaffirming its neutrality, the Church emphasised that it remains apolitical and has members across all political parties.
The statement read in part: “The attention of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion has been drawn to the media outbursts concerning the thanksgiving service held in honour of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, led by the Honourable Minister of FCT, Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike, at St. James Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja.”
“The widespread comments and assumptions in the media have compelled the Church to clarify the actual intent and nature of the thanksgiving service, as well as the request made by the Parish.”
The Church explained that, like all devout Christians, the Minister, being a known and active Anglican, was present to worship and give thanks to God for the successful commissioning and inauguration of several FCT projects completed within a 16-day period.
Akintunde continued: “The sole purpose of the service was to offer thanksgiving to God for the successful completion of projects recently inaugurated across the FCT.”
According to him, the Vicar of the Church, during his homily, commended the Minister for the visible infrastructural development across the six Area Councils of the FCT under his leadership. The Priest also made an appeal, typical of any constituent engaging a public official, by drawing the Minister’s attention to a pressing need within the community.
“The road project mentioned during the service is located in the Zhidu District of Abuja. The Church has already commenced development in the area and is only seeking government partnership to facilitate access and further growth,” the statement clarified.
Akintunde concluded by stressing that the thanksgiving service was never intended as a political rally or endorsement, but a spiritual gathering for worship, gratitude, and civic engagement in good faith.