The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused former Rivers State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, of denying prominent clerics approval to construct churches during his tenure as governor.
Wike specifically alleged that Amaechi refused to grant the founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, permission to build the popular Hand of God Cathedral in Rivers State.
The FCT minister made the allegation during a town hall meeting, in a video that has since circulated widely on social media.
According to Wike, Ibiyeomie approached the Rivers State Government for approval to construct the cathedral while Amaechi was governor, but his request was allegedly rejected.
He questioned why Amaechi, who allegedly denied the pastor the opportunity to build the church, was now attending the same place of worship, suggesting that his visit was motivated by his political ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike also accused the former governor of refusing to approve a church project proposed by the founder of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere.
He claimed that he granted the OPM founder the necessary approval after succeeding Amaechi as governor, enabling the cleric to proceed with the construction of his church.
The minister further alleged that Amaechi was planning to visit the OPM church, questioning the sincerity of his recent religious engagements.
Wike said:
“There is this leading pastor, one of our respected pastors in this country, who is from my place and doing very well.
“When he was to build that church (Hand of God Cathedral), the ADC vice-presidential candidate was the Rivers State Governor.
“He refused to give approval to the pastor.
“Somebody else gave approval, and now the church is going on. Yesterday, I saw the vice-presidential candidate going to that same church to worship.
“Because he wants power now, he forgets what he did. There is another one, the OPM Ministry. He refused to give the OPM pastor approval, but when I came, I gave the man approval, and the man built the church. I heard the vice-presidential candidate wants to go and worship there too.
“Why do you like to fake things, telling people lies? I will not do so.”
Wike’s remarks come amid growing political activities and realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with prominent political figures intensifying efforts to secure support across different constituencies.
