Citadel Global Community Church founder Pastor Tunde Bakare has received a warning from the Senate about his remarks regarding the 10th National Assembly.
The current National Assembly was referred to as a “rubber stamp” by Bakare.
“Pastor Bakare, a cleric and political voice in his own right, has previously contributed to national discourse in ways that have stimulated reflection and debate,” said Yemi Adaramodu, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, in response to the remarks.
Tunde Bakare’s recent remarks are now characterized by disrespect, a lack of evidence, and an excessive amount of criticism and dismissal.
“Given his electoral aspirations, we view Pastor Bakare’s criticism of the national Assembly as politically motivated and biased as a past presidential candidate and vice presidential candidate.
Even though he is still regarded as a revered preacher, his status as a well-known political figure cannot be overlooked when evaluating the perspective that informs his remarks.
His status as a political figure shapes the background of his remarks, which have important political ramifications in addition to being expressions of his personal opinions.
“As a politician, preacher, and attorney, Pastor Bakare’s remarks ought to demonstrate an understanding of constitutional limits.
The National Assembly places a high priority on maintaining judicial independence and the rule of law.
In order to allow judicial integrity to develop without intervention, we shall thus abstain from making comments or participating in matters and conversations that are already before the appropriate court.
The national assembly highlights the genuine oversight, which entails more than just friction, despite what some may see as tension between the assembly and executives.
Principled interactions and results-driven procedures, rather than performative animosity, are the real litmus test for institutional maturity.
As Pastor Bakare mentioned, there are well-documented cases in which the National Assembly has actively differed with the Executive, particularly on certain aspects of the presidential declaration on the state of emergency in Rivers State.
Our dedication to constitutionalism and loyalty to the Nigerian people, rather than feigning for effect, is demonstrated by these examples.
It’s important to remember that the government has never presented the 10th National Assembly with an unconstitutional agenda, unlike the terrible but notorious Third Term agenda, whose rejection the pastor used as a yardstick for performance.
“It is unfair and detrimental to our collective democratic journey to disparage the entire institution on the basis of personal grievances, ideological disagreements, or as a means of securing a position ahead of potential future political alignments.”
It’s crucial to remember that Pastor Bakare may have previously made comparable, scathing criticisms of earlier National Assembly sessions, some of which he now extols.
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The Senate is still hopeful that Pastor Bakare will eventually recognize the 10th National Assembly’s efforts to fulfill its constitutional obligations to the Nigerian people.
“We are confident that a thorough assessment of our performance, taking into account the current obstacles, will demonstrate our dedication to the best interests of the country,
“The Senate welcomes constructive dialogue with Pastor Bakare and all Nigerians.”
“We sincerely believe that promoting good governance and national progress requires meaningful discourse rather than destructive rhetoric,
Additionally, we urge public leaders—especially those with substantial sway in the civic and religious spheres—to temper their criticisms with verifiable facts and a feeling of duty to the country. Despite its flaws, our democracy thrives on considerate contributions that spur constructive change rather than divisive remarks that sow discontent.
