Refrain from Unsubstantiated Allegations, Criticise With Facts, Senate Replies Bakare

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate, yesterday, faulted the criticism of the National Assembly by Pastor Tunde Bakare, claiming that it was laced with contempt and unsubstantiated claims.

Senate Spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, in a statement in Abuja, insisted that Bakare’s criticism of the federal parliament was a biased and political ecumenical homily.

He noted that the nation’s apex legislative institution welcomed constructive criticisms but frown at those whose commentary crossed the line into unwarranted invectives and misleading assertions that risked eroding public trust in democratic institutions.

He, therefore, enjoined the cleric and others who constantly picked holes in the activities of the National Assembly to confront its leadership for necessary explanations instead of misinforming the public.

Bakare, a former vice-presidential candidate of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), had recently chided President Bola Tinubu over what he called a seeming state capture and motor park brand of politics.

He also described the situation in Rivers State, where the president declared a state of emergency as a theater of the absurd, further endorsed by the National Assembly which he described as the most “spineless” in Nigeria’s recent history.

But Adaramodu said Bakare’s position as a political leader influenced the context of his statements, which were not only reflections of personal views but also carried significant political implications.

“The attention of the Senate of the 10th National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been drawn to recent public remarks made by Pastor Tunde Bakare, which included sweeping generalisations and disparaging commentary aimed at the institution of the National Assembly.

“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 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.

“However, his most recent statements veered away from constructive criticism into 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 election 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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“We urge all public figures – especially those with influence in the civic and spiritual spheres – to temper their criticisms with facts and a sense of national responsibility.

“Our democracy, though imperfect, is best nurtured through thoughtful contributions that inspire reform, not resentment. We view his corrosive criticisms of the National Assembly as a biased and political ecumenical homily.”