Nigeria’s FCT Minister Wike Blames Opposition For Inciting Religious Violence To Destabilize The Nation [VIDEO]

 

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has ignited a storm of debate following his recent comments accusing opposition figures of exploiting religious tensions in Nigeria to advance their political interests. The former Rivers State governor, known for his blunt political style, suggested that what he described as a “Christian genocide” in parts of the country was being fueled by opposition elements seeking to discredit the current administration and create chaos as a route to power.

Speaking at an event in Abuja, Wike reflected on Nigeria’s recurring waves of violence and religiously motivated killings. He argued that during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, several individuals and groups manipulated insecurity and social unrest to project the government as weak and ineffective. He maintained that similar tactics were being deployed again by political opponents aiming to destabilize the current government and stir sectarian hostilities.

According to Wike, such actions are not merely political but pose grave threats to the unity and peace of the country. He noted that the deliberate use of religion as a weapon for political gain has continued to endanger innocent lives and deepen divisions among communities that have long coexisted peacefully. Wike emphasized that these calculated acts of provocation must be confronted decisively before they spiral out of control.

Wike’s statement is seen by many as a direct challenge to opposition parties that have criticized the government’s handling of security crises across the country. He asserted that political actors, rather than showing empathy or working toward solutions, are instead capitalizing on tragedy and grief to advance their ambitions. The minister questioned the moral compass of leaders who would exploit such sensitive issues for electoral gain, warning that Nigeria’s stability should never be a bargaining chip in political contests.

Observers have described Wike’s remarks as both bold and controversial. While his supporters praise him for speaking out against what they view as a dangerous trend of political opportunism, critics argue that his comments could inflame an already fragile national mood. Nigeria has in recent years witnessed a troubling rise in religious and ethnic conflicts, with communities in parts of the North Central and North West regions suffering from recurrent attacks by armed groups.

Religious leaders and civil society organizations have repeatedly urged the government to take stronger steps to protect vulnerable populations and prosecute those behind such violence. However, Wike’s accusation that opposition elements are deliberately fueling the conflict adds a new dimension to the national conversation, shifting focus from mere security failure to intentional political sabotage.

The FCT Minister expressed disappointment that some political figures appear to celebrate every incident of violence as an opportunity to criticize the administration rather than as a tragedy that demands unity and action. He called for all Nigerians, regardless of political or religious affiliation, to reject any agenda that seeks to divide the country along faith lines.

Wike’s comments also echo a growing concern within the ruling circles that opposition rhetoric is amplifying public anger and distrust in government institutions. Analysts suggest that his warning reflects an internal awareness of the dangers of unchecked political competition in a country already grappling with multiple crises. The fear, according to some political watchers, is that the exploitation of religion for political gain could eventually ignite a nationwide crisis with unpredictable consequences.

During his speech, Wike underscored the need for collective vigilance, urging the media to verify information and avoid spreading narratives that could deepen religious polarization. He appealed to community leaders and youth organizations to promote dialogue and peacebuilding, stressing that only unity can defeat the forces determined to tear the nation apart.

Public reaction to the minister’s statement has been mixed. Some Nigerians agree that political manipulation plays a role in worsening insecurity, while others accuse the government of deflecting blame rather than addressing root causes such as corruption, poverty, and weak law enforcement. Social commentators on various media platforms have pointed out that without transparent investigations and accountability, claims of political interference in religious violence may remain unsubstantiated.

Despite the controversy, Wike maintained that truth must be told regardless of whose interests it affects. He reiterated that political ambition should never come at the cost of human lives, adding that Nigeria’s diverse faiths must be seen as a source of strength rather than division. He insisted that the government remains committed to protecting every citizen and that no one should exploit religion to score political points.

As the debate intensifies, Wike’s words continue to stir conversations across political and religious circles. His accusation has reignited old questions about the intersection of politics, religion, and security in Nigeria’s democracy. Whether his claims lead to greater accountability or further polarization remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the issue has once again placed Nigeria’s fragile unity under the national spotlight.

Under Jonathan, people capitalized on these kinds of things to take over power. It’s very obvious that the opposition is fueling this Christian genocide in Nigeria.

~ FCT minister, Wike says

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— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) November 3, 2025