The Senate has fired back at fiery cleric and former presidential aspirant, Pastor Tunde Bakare, over his harsh criticism of the 10th National Assembly, accusing him of making “sweeping and politically motivated” statements that cross constitutional boundaries.
Bakare, in his Easter State-of-the-Nation address in Lagos, lambasted the legislature, describing it as “a haven for legislative rascality” and likening it to the unofficial 48th member of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
He also condemned the controversial emergency rule in Rivers State and faulted the National Assembly for backing it.
But the Senate, through its spokesperson and Chairman of the Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, said Bakare’s remarks were not only “disparaging” but also lacked substance.
“We view his corrosive criticisms of the National Assembly as a biased and political ecumenical homily,” Adaramodu said in a statement released in Abuja. “To cast aspersions on the entire institution based on personal frustrations or political positioning is unfair and counterproductive.”
While affirming Bakare’s right to free speech, Adaramodu insisted the pastor had overstepped, especially in drawing parallels between the current Assembly and the infamous Third Term bid under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“The executive has never brought any unconstitutional agenda before the 10th National Assembly—unlike the notorious Third Term proposal, which Bakare referenced,” he added.
The Senate also clarified that it had engaged the executive on aspects of the Rivers State emergency declaration, contrary to Bakare’s suggestion of total legislative submission.
Adaramodu urged national discourse to be driven by truth, mutual respect, and constructive dialogue, warning against rhetoric that undermines public trust in democratic institutions.
“The Senate remains open to dialogue with all Nigerians, including Pastor Bakare—but not at the expense of misleading the public,” he concluded.
