Senate SLAMS Bakare: Denounces criticism as “Biased Political Homily”

The Senate on Tuesday issued a strong rejoinder to criticisms leveled against the National Assembly by Pastor Tunde Bakare, stating that the cleric had engaged in “sweeping generalizations and disparaging commentary.”

In a statement released by Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, the upper legislative chamber urged Pastor Bakare to channel his frustrations elsewhere and refrain from unwarranted attacks on federal lawmakers.

Adaramodu emphasized that while the Senate respects every citizen’s right to express their views on national issues, regardless of their status, it was compelled to respond when such commentary descends into unwarranted invective and misleading assertions that threaten to erode public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

The Senate spokesperson noted, “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 into rhetoric, unfortunately laced with contempt and unsubstantiated claims.”

The statement also highlighted Pastor Bakare’s political background. “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.

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.”

The Senate Spokesman further addressed Pastor Bakare’s legal background, stating, “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 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.”

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Addressing the dynamic between the legislature and the executive, Adaramodu clarified, “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 cited instances where the National Assembly constructively disagreed with the Executive, including on specific provisions of the presidential declaration on the Rivers State state of emergency.

The Senate also drew a comparison to past events. “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.”

Concluding, the Senate urged for a more constructive approach. “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 polarizing rhetoric that undermines confidence in our democratic institutions.”

The Senate reiterated its openness to engaging with all Nigerians, including Pastor Bakare, in the spirit of constructive engagement, emphasizing that dialogue, not diatribe, is the path to good governance and national development.