The Nigerian Senate has disagreed with Pastor Tunde Bakare, the presiding overseer of the Global Community Citadel Church and a presidential aspirant in the All Progressives Congress party primary elections in 2022, over his criticism of the National Assembly for acting as a rubber stamp for the president in the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, as well as the handling of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, expressed the lawmakers’ dissatisfaction with the cleric’s claims in a statement released late Tuesday, indicating that Pastor Bakare’s submissions were sweeping generalisations and disparaging commentary aimed at the institution of the National Assembly.

In his Easter message broadcast last Sunday, the former vice presidential candidate criticised the federal government under President Bola Tinubu for descending into tyranny and abuse of power by the people in government, whom he claimed are organised in a mafia-like manner.

The pastor further condemned and criticised the Senate for suspending Senator Akpoti-Uduanghan and declaring a state of emergency in Rivers without any objection or disagreement with the president before its subsequent ratification by the National Assembly, adding that the legislature has become a mere rubber stamp by endorsing the president’s actions without scrutiny.

He also pointed out that the nation leaders lack the humility and character, warning that the country must avert the full-blown breakdown of law and order in our fragile democracy and the intervention of our already battle-weary armed forces.

The Senate spokesperson responded by indicting the cleric for casting aspersions on the National Assembly, stating that although he has the right to express his views, his comments were inappropriate due to their misleading nature and potential to undermine public trust in democratic institutions.

While acknowledging Pastor Bakare’s position as a cleric, Senator Adaramodu noted that his political background as a presidential aspirant in the last general elections and a vice-presidential candidate in a previous electoral cycle shows how biased his opinions carry significant political implications.

“While the Senate respects the right of every citizen—regardless of station— to express views on the state of the nation, we are constrained to respond when such commentary crosses the line into unwarranted invective and misleading assertions that risk eroding public trust in democratic institutions.

“Pastor Bakare, a cleric and political voice in his own right, has previously contributed to national discourse in ways that have spurred reflection and debate. However, his most recent statements veer away from constructive criticism to rhetoric, unfortunately laced with contempt and unsubstantiated claims.

“It is also important to acknowledge that Pastor Bakare was a presidential aspirant in the last general elections and a vice-presidential candidate in a previous electoral cycle.

We view his corrosive criticisms of the National Assembly as a biased and political ecumenical homily,” he said.

“While he remains a respected cleric, his role as a prominent political figure can not be discounted when assessing the lens through which his comments are made. His position as a political leader influences the context of his statements, which are not only reflections of personal views but also carry significant political implications.

Reacting to the pastor’s comment on Senator Akpoti-Uduanghan’s suspension from the Senate, the Senate spokesperson noted that since the matter is in court, the Assembly would not respond to the claim.

“We also wish to note that Pastor Bakare is not only a cleric and political figure but also one with a legal background. He is, therefore, well aware of the constitutional boundaries that guide public commentary , particularly on matters that are sub judice. The National Assembly can and will not be drawn into responding to issues that are already before a court of competent jurisdiction out of respect for the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.

“While some may attempt to portray an unnecessary adversarial dynamic between the National Assembly and the executive arm of government as a marker of virility in checks and balances, we must clarify that such tension, though it may entertain some, does not necessarily equate to effective legislative oversight. The true test of institutional maturity lies not in performative hostility but in principled engagements and results-driven processes.

The Senate argued that they disagreed with the president at the time of ratification, addressing the allegation of being a rubber stamp for him in the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. 

However, the televised proceeding of the Senate plenary session showed that the senate agreed unanimously on the matter, as the only lawmaker who raised an objection to the motion, Senator Seriake Dickson, was shut down by the President of the Senate, Godswil Akpabio.

Senator Adaramodu insisted that “Indeed, there are well-documented instances where the National Assembly has constructively disagreed with the Executive – including on specific provisions of the presidential declaration on the Rivers State state of emergency, which Pastor Bakare referenced. These examples reflect our commitment to constitutionalism and fidelity to the Nigerian people — not posturing for effect.

“It’s noteworthy that the executive has never brought any unconstitutional agenda before the 10th National Assembly, like the unspeakable but infamous Third Term agenda, the rejection of which the Pastor used as a benchmark for performance. 

“To cast aspersions on the entire institution based on personal frustrations, ideological differences, or as positioning ahead of possible future political alignments is not only unfair but also counterproductive to our collective democratic journey. The challenges facing our country require dialogue anchored on truth, mutual respect, and a commitment to nation-building – not polarising rhetoric that undermines confidence in our democratic institutions. 

“It is important to note that Pastor Bakare may have, in times past, similarly directed harsh criticisms at previous sessions of the National Assembly — some of which he now praises in glowing terms. We are confident that, in time, with a nuanced review of the performance of the 10th National Assembly – within the context of the exigencies of this time and season – Pastor Bakare may, at some point in the future, commend us for acting in the best interest of the people of Nigeria, in line with our constitutional mandate.

“The Senate remains open to engaging with all Nigerians – including Pastor Bakare – in the spirit of constructive engagement. It is through such dialogue, not diatribe, that we can advance the cause of good governance and national development.”