Politicians live large while asking Nigerians to sacrifice – Bakare

On Wednesday, Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, criticized Nigerian politicians for not sharing in the sacrifices they ask of citizens who are enduring economic hardships. Speaking at the Wilson and Yinka Badejo Memorial Lecture 2024 at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos, Bakare highlighted the need for politicians to lead by example during tough times.

The event, organized by the Wilson & Badejo Foundation, honored the former General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Wilson Badejo, and his wife, Yinka. Bakare’s keynote address, themed “Cultivating a Culture of Dialogue: Nurturing Understanding in a Culturally and Socially Diverse Nation,” emphasized the importance of dialogue over confrontation in resolving national challenges.

He stated, “All parties must approach the dialogue table with open minds, effective communication, and empathy. Open and honest communication helps to establish transparency, making intentions and actions clear. When leaders communicate transparently, they demonstrate that they have nothing to hide, and that builds trust. Empathy requires us to see beyond our own perspective and seek to understand others’ experiences.”

Bakare pointed out that Nigerian political leaders have largely failed to demonstrate empathy, living lavishly while asking citizens to endure economic hardships. He stressed that issues such as hunger transcend religion, tribe, or political affiliation, and are often at the root of larger conflicts.

He also criticized the major political parties, APC and PDP, for lacking distinct ideologies, citing the example of Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki who switched parties without any significant difference in governance. Bakare, who contested the APC presidential primary in 2022, has been vocal about the party’s deviation from its founding principles.

The event also featured a speech by author and Public Policy Advisor Debola Deji-Kurunmi, who emphasized unity in diversity and the importance of each individual’s contribution to national progress. The foundation awarded scholarships to 52 university students and presented the Stewardship Excellence Award to Rev. Peter Ameadaji, Managing Partner at PAC Solicitors. The General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev. Sam Aboyeji, was also in attendance.