Politics
Senate rebukes Pastor Tunde Bakare over ‘Rubber Stamp’ allegation
The Senate on Tuesday sharply rebuked the Serving Overseer of the Global Community Citadel Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, for his blistering critique of the 10th National Assembly, accusing the fiery cleric of making sweeping, politically motivated comments that overstepped the bounds of responsible public discourse.
The Senate’s response came via an official statement from the Chairman of its Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, who described Bakare’s remarks as “disparaging” and “corrosive,” dismissing them as a misguided attack on the legislative arm of government.
Bakare, who was a contender for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket in 2022, had, during his Easter State-of-the-Nation address delivered in Lagos, launched a scathing rebuke of both President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly. In a speech that quickly gained traction across media platforms, Bakare condemned what he called the “creeping dictatorship” under President Tinubu, warning that the legislature had lost its independence and become “the 48th member of the President’s cabinet.”
He decried the 10th National Assembly as a “rubber-stamp” body, accusing lawmakers of failing to hold the executive accountable and instead enabling what he described as an erosion of democratic norms and constitutional order. He made particular reference to the controversial declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which he labeled “illegal and unconstitutional.” Bakare criticized the National Assembly for not only failing to challenge the declaration but for allegedly endorsing it without due process or rigorous debate.
The outspoken pastor also used his platform to highlight the escalating insecurity across the country, particularly the resurgence of violence in Plateau, Benue, and Enugu states. He lamented what he called the government’s lethargic response to the killings and displacement of civilians, warning that the fabric of national unity was being torn apart by neglect and impunity.
But Senator Adaramodu pushed back hard against Bakare’s assertions, stating that while every Nigerian has the right to express their views, public figures must wield that right responsibly.
“We view his corrosive criticisms of the National Assembly as a biased and politically motivated ecumenical homily,” Adaramodu said. “It is one thing to offer constructive criticism, and quite another to weaponize the pulpit for personal or political purposes.”
He dismissed Bakare’s comparison of the current legislature with the National Assembly that famously rejected the Third Term bid under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, calling it “inappropriate and misleading.”
“It’s noteworthy that the executive has never brought any unconstitutional agenda before the 10th National Assembly—like the unspeakable but infamous Third Term bid, which Pastor Bakare used as a benchmark for legislative performance,” Adaramodu argued.
The Senate spokesman further stated that contrary to the image painted by Bakare, the current National Assembly has at times constructively disagreed with the executive, including on contentious aspects of the Rivers State emergency declaration.
He emphasized that the National Assembly would not engage in commentary on issues already before a court of law, in deference to the judiciary’s independence and the principle of separation of powers.
“To cast aspersions on the entire institution based on personal frustrations, ideological differences, or as positioning ahead of possible future political alignments is not only unfair but also counterproductive to our collective democratic journey,” Adaramodu warned.
He concluded by calling for dialogue founded on truth, mutual respect, and a genuine commitment to national progress.
“Nigeria faces serious challenges that require unity of purpose. We must all, including Pastor Bakare, strive for a national discourse that strengthens—not undermines—our democratic institutions. The Senate remains open to engaging all Nigerians in the spirit of constructive engagement,” he said.
