The Nigerian Senate rebukes Pastor Tunde Bakare for inflammatory remarks, defends stance on Rivers emergency, and urges responsible public discourse.
Senate Rebukes Pastor Tunde Bakare Over National Assembly Criticism, Defends Rivers Emergency Stance
Lawmakers urge civility in public discourse, say criticisms must not undermine democracy
The Nigerian Senate has issued a pointed rebuttal to recent remarks made by Pastor Tunde Bakare, warning the prominent cleric and political figure against channeling personal political frustrations into attacks on the 10th National Assembly.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, described Bakare’s comments as disrespectful, inflammatory, and lacking in factual basis. The Senate insisted that while all Nigerians have a constitutional right to critique government, such freedoms should not be weaponized to delegitimize democratic institutions.
Pastor Bakare, a cleric and a political voice in his own right, has previously made contributions to national discourse that encouraged reflection and debate,” Adaramodu acknowledged. “However, his latest remarks go beyond constructive criticism. They are steeped in disdain and filled with sweeping, unsupported allegations.
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Critique Must Not Undermine Democratic Institutions Senate
According to the Senate, Bakare’s recent comments suggest a personal political undertone, given his history as a presidential aspirant and vice-presidential candidate. This context, they said, must inform how Nigerians interpret his political interventions.
These statements are not emerging from a neutral pulpit,” Adaramodu stated. “They are politically tinted and should be evaluated accordingly.
Rivers State Emergency: Lawmakers Defend Position
One of the key issues addressed was the Senate’s rejection of a proposed emergency declaration in Rivers State, a decision Pastor Bakare had criticized. Adaramodu defended the legislature’s handling of the matter, saying the Assembly acted within the bounds of constitutional responsibility.
The Senate has, on several occasions, constructively challenged executive actions, including those related to the Rivers State situation,” he said. “Our decisions are informed by a deep commitment to democratic principles and the Nigerian people not political grandstanding.
Respect for Judicial Process: Senate Will Not Discuss Sub Judice Matters
The statement emphasized that the National Assembly would not be drawn into public debates on issues that are currently before the courts, reiterating its respect for the rule of law and judicial independence.
In line with legal standards, we will not engage in commentary on matters pending before the judiciary,” Adaramodu added.
On Governance: Performance Over Public Drama
The Senate also criticized the idea that constant conflict between branches of government is a sign of effective oversight. Adaramodu noted that meaningful legislative performance should be measured by outcomes, not by public spectacle.
“Tension is not always an indicator of accountability,” he argued. “True responsibility lies in delivering results for the Nigerian people not in public drama.”
Track Record of Inconsistent Criticism
The Senate further pointed out that Pastor Bakare has, in the past, offered similarly harsh criticism of previous assemblies, only to later shift his tone. This pattern, according to Adaramodu, casts doubt on the objectivity of his current statements.
Call for Constructive Engagement
Despite the critical tone of its statement, the Senate expressed openness to engaging with Bakare and other public figures in the national interest.
“We believe that, with time, the achievements of the 10th National Assembly will speak for themselves and may even earn the respect of Pastor Bakare,” Adaramodu concluded.
He ended the address with a call for civility and factual engagement in national conversations, particularly from civic and spiritual leaders.
“Our democracy is best served when dialogue is reasoned, respectful, and focused on progress not polarization.”
