Bakare Urges Respect For Democratic Institutions, Warns Against Abuse Of Power.
The Presiding Overseer of the Global Community Citadel Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has voiced concern over the current state of governance in Nigeria, particularly the perceived erosion of the National Assembly’s independence and the increasing centralisation of power in the executive arm of government.
Speaking during his annual Easter state of the nation broadcast held at the church’s auditorium, Pastor Bakare described the current National Assembly as the “most spineless” in Nigeria’s recent democratic history, alleging that it functions more as an extension of the Presidency than an independent legislative body.
The former vice-presidential candidate under the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) criticised the Assembly’s perceived lack of autonomy, stating that its actions and inactions have effectively reduced it to a rubber stamp for presidential decisions. He warned that had this same legislative posture existed during the controversial third term debate in 2006, Nigeria’s democratic journey could have suffered a major setback.
Pastor Bakare also raised alarm over what he described as “legislative rascality,” directly attributing the weakening of checks and balances to President Bola Tinubu’s influence over the Assembly. According to him, this trend undermines the constitutional principle of separation of powers and threatens the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
He expressed particular disappointment with recent events in the Senate, including the heated exchange between Ebonyi Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi and former Education Minister, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, during proceedings related to the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. He remarked that such incidents exemplify a worrying decline in the decorum and purpose of legislative conduct.
In a pointed message to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Bakare urged him to submit himself to a transparent and impartial investigation in response to allegations made against him. He called for accountability at the highest levels of government to restore public trust.
Bakare also took issue with President Tinubu’s approach to governance, warning against the dangers of unchecked power. Quoting the phrase, *“No man is wise enough or good enough to be trusted with unlimited power,”* he advised the President to respect the limits of his office and avoid overreach.
He referenced the situation in Rivers State—where a state of emergency was declared—as a “theatre of the absurd,” lamenting that the National Assembly swiftly endorsed the move, further affirming its perceived subservience.
Despite his sharp criticism, Pastor Bakare made it clear that his comments stemmed from a desire for national progress. He urged President Tinubu to embrace humility, listen to wise counsel, and take decisive action to rescue Nigeria from what he described as a descent into tyranny and abuse of power.
“Stop playing God,” Bakare advised, adding that although he does not align politically with President Tinubu, it is not his wish to see the administration fail, but rather to act justly in the service of the Nigerian people.
