The Senate on Tuesday strongly criticized Pastor Tunde Bakare, Serving Overseer of the Global Community Citadel Church, over his recent scathing comments about the 10th National Assembly, saying the cleric had “crossed the line.”
In a statement issued in Abuja by Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, the Senate described Bakare’s remarks as sweeping, disparaging, and politically charged.
Bakare, a former presidential aspirant under the All Progressives Congress, had in his Easter State-of-the-Nation address, accused President Bola Tinubu of reducing the National Assembly to a “haven for legislative rascality” and likened the legislature to the 48th member of his cabinet. He also condemned the emergency rule in Rivers State and criticised the lawmakers for supporting it.
Responding, Adaramodu stated, “We view his corrosive criticisms of the National Assembly as a biased and political ecumenical homily.”
While acknowledging Bakare’s right to express opinions, the Senate said the cleric overstepped by making “aspersions and unsubstantiated claims” that could mislead the public. Adaramodu added that the National Assembly has, in fact, constructively challenged the executive on several issues—including aspects of the Rivers emergency rule.
He also dismissed Bakare’s comparison of the current Assembly to the body that rejected the Third Term agenda under former President Olusegun Obasanjo. “It’s noteworthy that the executive has never brought any unconstitutional agenda before the 10th National Assembly,” Adaramodu said.
He concluded by calling for national conversations based on truth and mutual respect, stating, “The Senate remains open to engaging with all Nigerians, including Pastor Bakare, in the spirit of constructive engagement.”
