Nigerian Senate Fires Back at Pastor Bakare: Don’t Judge Us by Your Personal Frustrations

The Nigerian Senate has issued a strong response to recent criticisms by Pastor Tunde Bakare, cautioning the prominent cleric and former presidential aspirant against channeling his “political frustrations” toward the 10th National Assembly.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, described Bakare’s remarks as “sweeping generalisations and disparaging commentary” that could undermine public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions.

“Pastor Bakare, a cleric and political voice in his own right, has historically contributed to national discourse in ways that encourage reflection and debate,” Adaramodu said. “However, his latest statements deviate from constructive criticism and descend into rhetoric marked by contempt and unsubstantiated claims.”

Bakare recently accused the National Assembly of failing to effectively check the Executive arm of government and criticized its performance compared to previous legislative assemblies.

In response, Adaramodu pointed to Bakare’s own political background — including his previous roles as a vice-presidential candidate and a presidential aspirant — suggesting that his commentary may be driven by political ambition or disappointment.

“We interpret his harsh criticism as a politically tinted ‘ecumenical homily’ rather than a fair critique,” the Senator noted. “While we continue to respect him as a cleric, it is important to consider the political lens through which his comments are made.”

The Senate also reminded Bakare of his legal training, emphasizing that he should understand the constitutional and judicial limits of public discourse, particularly when it involves matters currently before the courts.

“The National Assembly will not be drawn into commenting on issues that are sub judice,” Adaramodu added.

Addressing Bakare’s claim that the legislature is subservient to the Executive, Adaramodu cited instances of independent action and disagreement between both arms of government — including the Senate’s position on parts of the presidential declaration regarding the state of emergency in Rivers State.

He dismissed comparisons made between the current and previous assemblies, particularly in relation to the rejection of the controversial Third Term agenda during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, noting that no such unconstitutional proposal has been presented before the 10th Assembly.

“It is unfair and counterproductive to malign an entire institution based on personal frustrations, ideological disagreements, or as a prelude to future political alignments,” he said.

Adaramodu further observed that Bakare has criticized past National Assemblies he now appears to praise, suggesting inconsistency in his assessments.

“We believe that in due time — with a more balanced review of the 10th Assembly’s performance, within the realities of today — Pastor Bakare may come to acknowledge our efforts to serve the Nigerian people responsibly,” he stated.

Calling for a more constructive national dialogue, the Senate urged influential public figures, especially those in religious and civic leadership, to ground their criticisms in fact and national interest.

“Our democracy, though imperfect, thrives on thoughtful contributions that foster reform, not resentment,” Adaramodu concluded.