The Senate has issued a strong response to recent remarks made by Pastor Tunde Bakare, founder of the Citadel Global Community Church, cautioning him against using the 10th National Assembly as an outlet for his frustrations.
In a written statement released on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, criticised the cleric’s recent comments, describing them as “sweeping generalisations and disparaging commentary aimed at the institution of the National Assembly.”
While affirming that the Senate respects the constitutional right of every citizen to voice opinions on national affairs, Adaramodu stressed that the legislative arm was compelled to respond when such expressions crossed the line into “unwarranted invectives 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,” Adaramodu acknowledged.
“However, his most recent statements veer away from constructive criticism into rhetoric, unfortunately laced with contempt and unsubstantiated claims.”
He noted that Pastor Bakare’s political background should be taken into account when interpreting his remarks, pointing out that he had contested as a presidential aspirant in the last general elections and served as a vice-presidential candidate in an earlier cycle.
“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,” Adaramodu stated.
“While he remains a respected cleric, his role as a prominent political figure cannot 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.”
He further observed that Bakare, having a background in law, should be aware of the constitutional limits guiding public commentary, particularly on matters under judicial consideration.
“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 subjudice,” he said.
Adaramodu stressed that the National Assembly would not be baited into commenting on issues already before the courts, out of deference to the rule of law and the judiciary’s independence.
“The National Assembly cannot 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,” he declared.
He also dismissed suggestions of a contrived rift between the National Assembly and the Executive, stating that genuine oversight is not measured by visible clashes but by effective, principled engagement.
“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,” he added.
