The Nigerian Senate has issued a stern response to Pastor Tunde Bakare over what it described as “sweeping generalizations and disparaging remarks” directed at the 10th National Assembly, cautioning the cleric against using his public platform to undermine democratic institutions.
In a strongly worded statement on Thursday, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, expressed concern over Pastor Bakare’s recent comments, which he said crossed the line from constructive criticism into “rhetoric laced with contempt and unsubstantiated claims.”
“While we respect Pastor Bakare’s right to speak on national issues, his recent commentary goes beyond the bounds of responsible civic engagement,” Adaramodu said. “As someone with a legal background and a history of political involvement, Pastor Bakare should be well aware of the constitutional boundaries governing public discourse.”
Adaramodu noted that Pastor Bakare, who was a vice-presidential candidate in 2011 and a presidential aspirant in the 2023 elections, cannot be viewed as a neutral observer. “His political history and public stature carry weight, and his words have implications beyond personal opinion,” the Senate spokesman added.
Responding to Bakare’s comparison of the current Assembly with previous ones, Adaramodu said it was ironic that the same institution Bakare now criticizes had previously been a target of similar attacks from him.
He emphasized that the 10th National Assembly remains committed to constitutional governance and has, on multiple occasions, engaged the Executive constructively, including on contentious matters such as the Rivers State emergency declaration.
“Pastor Bakare referenced the rejection of a Third Term agenda as a benchmark for legislative courage. However, it is misleading to suggest that such unconstitutional proposals have ever been entertained by the current administration or brought before this Assembly,” Adaramodu stated.
He dismissed suggestions that a lack of public confrontation with the Executive equates to legislative weakness. “Institutional maturity is not about dramatic posturing but principled and effective governance,” he noted.
The Senate called on public figures, especially those in civic and spiritual leadership, to exercise greater responsibility in their public engagements. “At a time when national unity and development should be our focus, inflammatory rhetoric only serves to erode trust and sow division,” the statement read.
While reaffirming its openness to dialogue, the Senate said it will not shy away from defending its integrity. “We invite Pastor Bakare and other concerned citizens to engage with us constructively. Our doors are open for genuine dialogue aimed at strengthening our democracy, not tearing it down.”
The Senate concluded by expressing confidence that, with time, even its harshest critics may come to appreciate its efforts in advancing the interests of the Nigerian people.
Comments