The Northern Christian Association has faulted the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over remarks credited to him during the controversy surrounding land administration issues at Jabi Lake, warning that political authority must never be used to disrespect God or offend public sensibilities.

The association said that although government officials possess constitutional powers to administer land and enforce regulations, such authority must be exercised with humility, restraint and sensitivity to citizens’ religious beliefs.

The criticism followed widespread reactions to comments attributed to Wike after a female cleric reportedly knelt publicly to plead with the minister to reconsider a proposed development around Jabi Lake in Abuja.

Wike, while reacting to the emotional appeal, was reported to have stated that even if “God comes down,” he would not succumb to pressure, a remark that has continued to generate outrage among some Christian groups and religious leaders.

In a statement issued in Kaduna on Thursday, the Chairman of the association, Rev. Joseph Hayab, urged the minister to reflect on the concerns raised by Nigerians, apologise to those offended and embrace humility before God and the people.

Hayab said leaders must recognise the weight of their public utterances, noting that words spoken by those in authority should promote peace, unity and mutual respect in a multi-religious society like Nigeria.

The statement read in part, “Political office is temporary and should be handled with humility. No leader should allow power to create the impression that they are beyond accountability to God or the people they serve.

“As a Christian who professes Christ, the Holy Scriptures admonish believers that their words must be seasoned with grace and guided by wisdom.”

The association added that the minister could have politely declined the plea made by the kneeling woman while calmly explaining the legal basis for the government’s position without making statements capable of being interpreted as insulting to God or offensive to believers.

It stressed that its position was not politically motivated but a moral and faith-based intervention aimed at promoting respect for religion and responsible public conduct.

“We are speaking out against Wike just as we will speak out against anyone who disrespects our faith,” the statement added.

The group also called on political office holders across the country to exercise caution in their public communication and avoid statements capable of deepening tension or provoking unnecessary controversy.

The controversy erupted amid growing public debate over land administration and development activities around Jabi Lake, one of the prominent recreational districts in the FCT.

The issue gained national attention after videos emerged showing a female cleric kneeling before the minister during a public engagement, appealing to him to halt or reconsider aspects of the development project.

The incident has since sparked mixed reactions, with some Nigerians defending the minister’s firmness on government policy, while others condemned the tone of his remarks as insensitive and disrespectful to religious sentiments. (The PUNCH)

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