Senate Fires Back at Tunde Bakare Over Comments on National Assembly

Pastor Tunde Bakare, the founder of Citadel Global Community Church, has received a warning from the Senate for his remarks regarding the 10th National Assembly.

The current National Assembly, according to Bakare, is a “rubber stamp.”

The Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs Chairman, Yemi Adaramodu, responded to the remarks by saying, “Pastor Bakare, a cleric and political figure in his own right, has previously contributed to national discourse in ways that have stimulated reflection and debate.”

Tunde Bakare’s recent remarks are now harshly critical, contemptuous, and devoid of supporting proof.

As a past presidential and vice presidential candidate, we believe that Pastor Bakare’s criticism of the national Assembly is biased and politically motivated, especially in light of his election aspirations.

When evaluating the perspective through which his remarks are delivered, it is impossible to ignore his status as a well-known political person, even though he is still a revered priest.

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The context of his remarks is influenced by his role as a political leader; they are not merely expressions of his personal opinions but also have important political ramifications.

Pastor Bakare’s public remarks should demonstrate his grasp of constitutional limits as a lawyer, cleric, and politician.

Respecting judicial independence and the rule of law is a top priority for the National Assembly.

shall therefore abstain from making remarks or participating in debates and matters that are already before the appropriate court in order to preserve judicial integrity.

Although some may see friction between the executives and the assembly, the national assembly highlights that true supervision entails more than just tension.

The real test of institutional maturity is found in results-driven procedures and principled engagements rather than performative animosity.

In fact, there are other documented cases in which the National Assembly has actively differed with the Executive, such as over particular clauses in the presidential proclamation regarding the state of emergency in Rivers State, to which Pastor Bakare referred.

“These instances demonstrate our dedication to constitutionalism and our loyalty to the Nigerian people, not only to appear good.

The government has never presented any unconstitutional program to the 10th National Assembly, unlike the infamous but unthinkable Third Term agenda, whose rejection the pastor used as a yardstick for performance.

“It is not only unjust but also detrimental to our collective democratic journey to disparage the entire institution on the basis of individual grievances, ideological disagreements, or as staging ahead of potential future political alignments.”

It’s crucial to remember that Pastor Bakare may have previously pointed out some National Assembly sessions with harsh criticism, some of which he now extols.

In keeping with its constitutional obligations, the Senate is hopeful that Pastor Bakare would eventually recognize the 10th National Assembly’s efforts to serve the Nigerian people.

We think that a careful assessment of our performance, taking into account the difficulties of the present, would demonstrate our dedication to the interests of the country.

“The Senate is willing to engage in positive dialogue with all Nigerians, including Pastor Bakare.

We are adamant that constructive discourse, not polarizing language, is necessary to promote national growth and good government.

“We also urge public leaders, especially those who hold a lot of sway in the civic and religious arenas, to temper their criticisms with truthfulness and a sense of duty to the country. Even though our democracy is not flawless, it survives on constructive criticism that leads to improvement rather than divisive remarks that sow discontent.