Presiding overseer of the Global Community Citadel Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has called out President Bola Tinubu, claiming that under his leadership, Nigeria is spiraling into tyranny and suffering from a brazen abuse of power.
Speaking during his state of the nation address marking the Easter celebrations on Sunday, Bakare expressed his concern over the direction of the country under the current administration.
“Dear Nigerians, the past few months since that admonition have shown that those responsible for steering the course of our nation lack the humility and character this moment demands of leaders,” he said.
“Instead, what we have seen since the beginning of the year is a descent into tyranny and the brazen abuse of power.
“Those entrusted with power appear determined to destabilise what is left of our political institutions and have committed themselves to obliterating the guardrails of constitutional governance.
“I urge you, Mr president, to think deeply and reflect on these words: ‘No man is wise enough nor good enough to be trusted with unlimited power’. Please, stop playing God!”
The cleric also condemned the senate’s suspension of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Kogi central senator, declaration of state of emergency in Rivers by Tinubu and subsequent ratification by the national assembly.
He highlighted the erosion of democracy, particularly criticising the collapse of the legislature, which he called a “bastion of democracy” that is now failing under the President’s leadership.
Bakare also pointed to the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Tinubu as a clear example of what he termed a “theatre of the absurd.”
He slammed both the President’s actions and the National Assembly, which he accused of endorsing the measure.
According to Bakare, the National Assembly has become the “most spineless” in Nigeria’s history, allowing for the President’s actions to go unchecked.
“Under your watch, Mr. President, the legislature has become a mere rubber stamp, endorsing every action you take without scrutiny,” Pastor Tunde Bakare said, referring to the passive role the National Assembly has played in the current political landscape.
The clergyman also took issue with the recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, which he described as a direct attack on accountability and transparency.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.
Bakare voiced his disapproval, questioning the Senate’s growing role in political violence and corruption.
He expressed disbelief at the verbal altercations in the Senate, particularly involving Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi and former Education Minister, Obi Ezekwesili.
Bakare condemned the Senate for becoming an institution of “political rascality” rather than a place for constructive discourse and leadership.
He accused the President of using his political influence to turn the National Assembly into a “haven for legislative rascality.”
He expressed disappointment in the current legislature, claiming it has become ineffective and unresponsive to the needs of the Nigerian people.
“This National Assembly is the most ineffective in recent history, thanks to your political manipulation,” he told the President.
He further criticised the seeming “state capture” by the President, saying it is counterproductive and will ultimately harm the country.
“This anti-climax can only lead to failure in the long run,” Bakare warned.
Bakare expressed that his decision to speak out was motivated by a desire for the President to succeed, noting that despite being in his first term, the current administration has drifted from its promises.
He called on the government to embrace humility, justice, and fairness in order to avoid further damage.
“The renewed hope promised by this administration collapsed from day one with the removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the Naira, which plunged millions of Nigerians into extreme poverty,” Bakare added.
In conclusion, Bakare urged the President to reconsider the current trajectory and prioritise the welfare of Nigerians over political ambitions.
“It is time to change direction before it’s too late,” he said.
