The Senate has cautioned Pastor Tunde Bakare, founder of Citadel Global Community Church, over his recent comments on the 10th National Assembly.
Bakare had described the current National Assembly as a “rubber stamp”.
Reacting to the comments, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, said, “Pastor Bakare, a cleric and political voice in his own right, has previously contributed to national discourse in ways that have spurred reflection and debate.
“Recent statements by Tunde bakare have become overly critical and dismissive and marked with contempt and lack of evidence.
“As a former presidential aspirant and vice presidential candidate, we see Pastor Bakare's criticism towards the national Assembly as a politically driven as well as bias given his electoral ambitions.
“While he remains a respected cleric, his role as a prominent political figure cannot be discounted when assessing the lens through which his comments are made.
“His position as a political leader influences the context of his statements, which are not only reflections of personal views but also carry significant political implications.
“As a lawyer, cleric and politician pastor Bakare's public comment should reflect awareness on constitutional boundaries.
‘The National Assembly prioritizes upholding the rule of law and judicial independence.
“Therefore will refrain from commenting or engaging in issues and discussions that are already before the competent court of allowing judicial integrity to unfold without interference.
“While some may view tension between the assembly and executives, the national Assembly emphasizes the true oversight which involves more than just tension.
“The true test of institutional maturity lies not in performative hostility but in principled engagements and results-driven processes.
“Indeed, there are well-documented instances where the National Assembly has constructively disagreed with the Executive including on specific provisions of the presidential declaration on the Rivers State state of emergency, which Pastor Bakare referenced.
“These examples reflect our commitment to constitutionalism and fidelity to the Nigerian people not posturing for effect.
“It’s noteworthy that the executive has never brought any unconstitutional agenda before the 10th National Assembly, like the unspeakable but infamous Third Term agenda, the rejection of which the Pastor used as a benchmark for performance.
“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.”;
“It is important to note that Pastor Bakare may have, in times past similarly directed harsh criticisms at previous sessions of the National Assembly some of which he now praises in glowing terms.
“The Senate remains optimistic that, over time, Pastor Bakare will come to appreciate the 10th National Assembly's efforts to serve the Nigerian people, in line with its constitutional duties,
“We believe that a nuanced evaluation of our performance, considering the challenges of our time, will reveal our commitment to the nation's best interests,
“The Senate is open to constructive engagement with all Nigerians, including Pastor Bakare,
“We firmly believe that meaningful dialogue, rather than divisive rhetoric, is essential for advancing good governance and national development,
“Furthermore, we encourage public figures, particularly those with significant influence in civic and spiritual spheres, to balance their criticisms with factual accuracy and a sense of responsibility to the nation. Our democracy, though imperfect, thrives on thoughtful contributions that inspire positive change, rather than inflammatory comments that breed resentment.”
