Senate Responds to Tunde Bakare’s Criticism, Says Cleric ‘Crossed the Line’

Senate Leadership Defends Actions Amid Controversy

The Nigerian Senate has strongly rebuked Pastor Tunde Bakare over his recent comments criticizing the legislative body’s role in the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State and the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Bakare’s Controversial Remarks

On Sunday, the serving overseer of The Citadel Global Community Church condemned the Senate’s actions, stating: “It is clear that our so-called leaders are determined to turn Nigeria into a mafia state.” He further accused both the executive and legislature of engaging in “institutional immorality Olympics.”

Senate’s Official Response

In a statement issued Tuesday by Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, the legislative body described Bakare’s comments as “crossing the line” and containing “unwarranted invective and misleading assertions.”

The Senate acknowledged Bakare’s right to free speech but maintained that his remarks risked “eroding public trust in democratic institutions.” The statement noted that while Bakare has previously contributed meaningfully to national discourse, his latest comments were “laced with contempt and unsubstantiated claims.”

Addressing the Legal Perspective

Adaramodu, highlighting Bakare’s legal background, emphasized that the cleric should be aware of constitutional boundaries regarding public commentary, particularly on matters that are sub judice (before the courts).

The Senate spokesperson defended the institution’s relationship with the executive, stating: “The true test of institutional maturity lies not in performative hostility but in principled engagements and results-driven processes.”

Historical Context and Future Expectations

The statement dismissed Bakare’s reference to past political controversies like the “third-term agenda,” asserting that the current National Assembly has never received unconstitutional requests from the executive.

Adaramodu concluded optimistically: “We are confident that…Pastor Bakare may, at some point in the future, commend us for acting in the best interest of the people of Nigeria.”

Source: NigerianEye.com