Human Rights Lawyer slams Wike over controversial comments on Anglican church altar

By Olisemeka Obeche

Human Rights Lawyer and activist, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor has taken a swipe at the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike over his controversial comment captured in a viral video.

Ejiofor, a lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, also expressed dismayed over the decision of the former Rivers Governor to make such bizarre comments from the pulpit.

The Anambra bases legal expert, in a press statement issued on Monday, July 7, 2025, described the comments by the minister as a ‘national embarrassment.’

Ejiofor’s statement titled: “Nyesom Wike’s Unholy Outburst and the Profanation of God’s Altar – A National Embarrassment in the House of Worship’ read:

“I watched with profound shock and dismay the now-viral video clips capturing yet another appalling display of national disgrace ; this time, orchestrated by none other than the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

“Sadly, this latest descent into ignominy did not occur in the familiar theatres of partisan politics or the chaotic arenas of political rallies; it unfolded within the hallowed walls of St. James Anglican Church, Asokoro – an altar sanctified for worship, reflection, and the celebration of God’s grace.

“It is both regrettable and wholly unacceptable that the customary opportunity graciously extended to worshippers for sharing testimonies was shamelessly hijacked and transformed into a platform for political grandstanding, reckless vituperation, and the desecration of God’s sanctuary.

“For the avoidance of doubt – and to counter the erroneous narrative suggesting that the Church was complicit in this sacrilegious episode – I wish to offer some clarity.

“As a proud Knight of St. Christopher in the Anglican Communion, I am well acquainted with the traditions and reverent decorum expected during such sacred assemblies. It is not the practice – nor is it the character – of the Vicar, clergy, or Church stewards to forcibly retrieve a microphone from a speaker mid-address.

“That said, I am reliably informed that, in keeping with Anglican protocol, subtle and repeated signals were discreetly passed to Mr. Wike at the height of his appalling outburst, urging him to either redirect his speech or swiftly conclude his so-called “testimony” , which was the only context in which he had been permitted to address the congregation.

“Yet, in an astounding act of defiance and irreverence, Wike – a high-ranking member of the Anglican Communion , ignored every signal of restraint and plunged even further into disgraceful tirades, right within God’s temple. One is left to wonder: What right-thinking individual, let alone one entrusted with public office and honoured with ecclesiastical titles, would stoop to such debasement – and worse, within the sacred precincts of the altar?

“While the Church cannot be held responsible for his verbal recklessness, it is impossible to ignore the deep embarrassment his actions have caused the faithful and the nation at large. That someone of his stature would use the pulpit for personal tirades reflects a total collapse of decorum and spiritual sensitivity.

*As I have repeatedly emphasized, the time has come for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call Nyesom Wike to order – or, better still, subject him to a comprehensive psychological evaluation to determine his fitness for public office and his grasp of basic behavioral decency. The nation must not continue to tolerate this disruptive pattern, camouflaged as boldness, especially when it desecrates our sacred spaces and undermines our shared values.

“The house of God must remain holy. No individual, regardless of political status or societal influence, should be allowed to drag the altar into the gutters of ego, excess, or unrestrained arrogance.