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Senate Slams Tunde Bakare Over Criticism on Rivers Emergency, Natasha Akpoti Suspension

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4 weeks ago

Apr 23, 2025.

Senate Slams Tunde Bakare Over Criticism on Rivers Emergency

Senate Slams Tunde Bakare Over Criticism on Rivers Emergency.
Says his comments are sweeping, unsubstantiated and politically biased
Asserts Senate’s actions are constitutional, not driven by political motives

The Nigerian Senate has responded strongly to remarks made by Pastor Tunde Bakare regarding the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing his comments as misleading, inflammatory, and unhelpful to democratic discourse.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Pastor Bakare, during a Sunday sermon at The Citadel Global Community Church, condemned what he called the Senate’s complicity in “institutional immorality,” accusing the executive and legislative arms of turning Nigeria into a “mafia state.” He particularly criticised the Senate for endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s emergency declaration in Rivers and for suspending the Kogi Central Senator.

“The two main contenders in the ongoing institutional immorality Olympics are the executive and the legislature,” Bakare declared.

In a swift rebuttal on Tuesday, Senate spokesperson and Chairman of the Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, dismissed Bakare’s statements as “sweeping generalisations” and “disparaging commentary” aimed at undermining public confidence in the legislature.

“While we respect Pastor Bakare’s right to express his views, the Senate cannot remain silent when such rhetoric crosses the line,” the statement read. “His remarks do not reflect constructive criticism but are laced with contempt and unsubstantiated allegations.”

Adaramodu acknowledged Bakare’s long-standing role in national debates, but stressed that his latest comments veered into political posturing, describing them as a “biased and political ecumenical homily.”

Citing Bakare’s legal and political background, the Senate reminded him of the constitutional boundaries that govern public discourse, especially on matters before the courts.

“He is well aware that matters which are sub judice must be approached with caution, yet he has chosen to ignore this restraint,” Adaramodu said.

The Senate also took issue with Bakare’s suggestion that the legislature should adopt an openly confrontational stance against the executive, stating that effective oversight is achieved through strategic engagement rather than “performative displays.”

Addressing Bakare’s reference to the controversial third-term agenda of past administrations, Adaramodu firmly rejected any comparison, stating, “The 10th National Assembly has not been approached with any unconstitutional proposals.”

He warned against using ideological disagreements or political ambitions to malign the legislature, insisting that the Senate’s actions are grounded in its constitutional responsibilities and the collective interest of Nigerians.

“To cast aspersions on the entire institution due to personal frustrations or political positioning is not only unfair, but also harmful to the country’s democratic development,” he added.

Adaramodu concluded by urging critics to take a more nuanced and contextual look at the Senate’s actions during this period. He expressed optimism that Pastor Bakare might one day appreciate the efforts of the 10th National Assembly.

Senate Slams Tunde Bakare Over Criticism on Rivers Emergency

“We are confident that with time, Pastor Bakare will see that we have acted in good faith and in the best interest of the Nigerian people,” he said.