(DDM) – Former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu, has criticised Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State governor, after he was seen inside a church surrounded by heavy security protection.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the incident occurred during a recent church service, where Wike was captured sitting with a retinue of security operatives positioned inside the sanctuary.
The viral images sparked debate across social media, not only about the excess of security around politicians, but also about Wike’s posture in the house of God.
Chidi Odinkalu, a prominent lawyer and human rights advocate, took to his official X handle to question the former governor’s actions and appearance during the event.
He argued that the presence of multiple armed escorts inside a church was a form of mockery, suggesting that Wike did not trust God’s protection within a sacred place.
In a sharp rebuke, Odinkalu also alleged that the FCT minister appeared “inebriated” and was unable to stay awake during the church proceedings.
He wrote, “These people who go inside church with a retinue of security protection, like God is too weak to protect them even when they are too inebriated to stay awake in church?”
The remark immediately went viral, fueling a fresh wave of criticism against Wike, who has remained one of Nigeria’s most controversial politicians since leaving office as Rivers governor in 2023.
Observers noted that this was not the first time Wike has been targeted for his conduct in public spaces, particularly concerning his flamboyant lifestyle, outspoken political style, and frequent deployment of security details.
Many critics have previously argued that Nigerian politicians often live in fear of the same citizens they are supposed to serve, surrounding themselves with security as a buffer against accountability.
For Odinkalu, the sight of Wike asleep in church under such protection symbolised the detachment of political leaders from the realities of ordinary Nigerians who struggle daily without even basic safeguards.
The development also reignited conversations about the culture of impunity among Nigeria’s political class, where public officials enjoy excessive privileges while ordinary worshippers and citizens face insecurity with little or no protection.
Odinkalu’s criticism further highlighted the ongoing debate over the public image of Wike, who has built a reputation as both a grassroots mobiliser and a polarising figure in national politics.
Wike, who currently manages the FCT under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, has faced multiple waves of criticism since taking office, ranging from his policy decisions in Abuja to his perceived arrogance in dealing with political rivals.
Political analysts believe Odinkalu’s intervention adds to the pressure on Wike, who has long been seen as both influential and divisive within Nigeria’s power structure.
For now, the viral church video continues to circulate online, reinforcing public scrutiny on the excesses of Nigeria’s ruling elite and raising fresh questions about the gap between faith, humility, and political power.
