“Is God Not Enough?” — Odinkalu Questions Wike’s Heavy Security Presence During Church Services

Prominent human rights activist, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, ignited a heated online discussion on Sunday, August 17, 2025, after questioning the necessity of extensive security details accompanying Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to church services.

The debate, unfolding on X (formerly Twitter), has highlighted growing concerns about the escalating level of insecurity in Nigeria, which has forced public figures to rely heavily on armed protection, even in places of worship.

In a provocative post, Odinkalu 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 comment, accompanied by a photo of Wike surrounded by security aides during a church service, drew sharp reactions from Nigerians online. TheNigeriaLawyer could not independently verify whether the church was located in Abuja or Port Harcourt at the time of this report.

Others, however, defended the practice. Onwere Felix (@onwere_felix) downplayed the issue, noting:
“We are too dramatic in Nigeria…like, what if the security men sat down just besides him or at his back? Will anyone even know?”

Magicpen (@Taiwo16556987) drew a religious parallel, tweeting:
“When Jesus was arrested, thunder didn’t come down from heaven to stop them. It was Peter who even attacked one of them, so being in church does not mean you are safe from physical attack.”

Meanwhile, O T U N B A – A D E O L U W A (@adetomiwahassan) emphasised the importance of protocol, explaining:
“Some of you don’t understand protocol. Even church has protocol. There’s some security detail you’ll say no to, and your security men will override your request if they feel you’ll be in danger.”