Senate Claps Back at Pastor Tunde Bakare Over State of Emergency Comments

 

The Nigerian Senate has fired back at recent remarks made by Pastor Tunde Bakare, accusing the outspoken cleric of making sweeping, inflammatory statements that misrepresent the role of the National Assembly in recent political developments—especially regarding the state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Bakare, known for his firebrand sermons and for dabbling in political commentary, had not held back in his criticism last Sunday. He described Nigeria as edging dangerously close to becoming a “mafia state,” alleging that both the executive and legislature are engaged in an “institutional immorality Olympics.”

But the Senate wasn’t having it.

In a strongly worded statement released Tuesday, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, described Bakare’s comments as misleading, unnecessarily provocative, and damaging to public trust.

“While we respect every citizen’s right to express opinions,” the Senate said, “Bakare’s commentary crossed the line into misinformation and unwarranted invective.”

Adaramodu acknowledged Bakare’s past contributions to national discourse, calling him a “cleric and political voice in his own right,” but criticized his latest remarks as “rhetoric laced with contempt and unsubstantiated claims.”

The Senate also hinted at Bakare’s political leanings, reminding the public that he is not just a religious figure but a political aspirant and lawyer, whose statements carry weight beyond the pulpit.

“Given his legal training, Bakare knows better than to make public comments on issues currently before the courts. And as a political figure, his views are not neutral—they're tinted with ambition.”

In response to suggestions that the National Assembly should adopt a more confrontational stance against the executive, the Senate made it clear: drama isn’t democracy.

“Checks and balances don’t have to come with public shouting matches. We prefer principled engagement to performative hostility,” Adaramodu stated.

He also brushed aside Bakare’s reference to the infamous third-term agenda of the Obasanjo era, calling it an unfair benchmark to assess today’s lawmakers.

Interestingly, the Senate pointed out that Bakare has a history of attacking past assemblies, some of which he now praises. They suggest that in time, he may come to appreciate the 10th Assembly’s work too.

“Critic today, admirer tomorrow? We’ve seen it happen. Maybe he’ll come around—eventually.”

While the Senate remains open to constructive criticism, it has made one thing clear: it won’t sit quietly while its integrity is dragged in the mud—even if the mudslinger wears a collar.