The Nigerian Senate has fired back at Pastor Tunde Bakare following his critical remarks against the 10th National Assembly during his Easter broadcast. The fiery exchange is now dominating national conversations, sparking debates over the boundaries of political commentary by religious leaders.
The Senate on Tuesday strongly condemned comments made by Pastor Tunde Bakare, who had accused the 10th National Assembly of becoming a tool for President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Bakare, during his Easter State-of-the-Nation address in Lagos, criticized the Assembly, calling it a “haven for legislative rascality” and likening it to the 48th member of Tinubu’s cabinet.
In response, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, released a statement in Abuja denouncing Bakare’s claims as unfair and politically driven. He stated that the cleric’s words were “sweeping, disparaging, and politically motivated.”
Adaramodu emphasized that the National Assembly operates independently and has, on various occasions, disagreed constructively with the executive, including aspects of the state of emergency recently declared in Rivers State.
He accused Bakare of making unsubstantiated allegations and using the platform to position himself for future political gains. While recognizing Bakare’s constitutional right to free speech, the Senate insisted that his comments crossed the line and could mislead the public.
The statement also rejected Bakare’s comparison of the current Assembly to that of the Third Term era under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, stressing that the 10th Assembly has not entertained any unconstitutional proposals.
Adaramodu concluded by calling for national dialogue based on truth and respect, rather than divisive rhetoric that could erode trust in democratic institutions.
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