‘Rubber-stamp’: Senate slams Bakare over comment on National Assembly

The Nigerian Senate has fired back at Pastor Tunde Bakare, accusing him of overstepping his bounds following his recent criticism of the 10th National Assembly.

The Senate’s response was issued in a statement on Tuesday by Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs.

The strongly-worded statement comes days after Pastor Bakare, during his Easter State-of-the-Nation broadcast in Lagos, took aim at the National Assembly and President Bola Tinubu.

Bakare, who was among the aspirants for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket in 2022, had accused President Tinubu of turning the 10th Assembly into “a haven for legislative rascality,” describing it as the unofficial “48th member” of the president’s cabinet.

READ ALSO: Bakare accuses Tinubu  of playing God, warns against ‘mafia state’ governance

In reaction, the Senate described Bakare’s remarks as “reckless” and said the cleric had “crossed the line.”

He also condemned the emergency rule declared in Rivers State and criticised the National Assembly for backing it.

The cleric further lamented the worsening insecurity, citing a fresh wave of killings in Plateau, Benue, and Enugu states.

However, Adaramodu described Bakare’s comments as sweeping, disparaging, and politically motivated.

“We view his corrosive criticisms of the National Assembly as a biased and political ecumenical homily,” the statement read.

“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 argued that while some may see tension between the legislature and the executive as a healthy feature of checks and balances, such friction does not necessarily translate to effective oversight.

“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,” Adaramodu added.

While acknowledging Bakare’s constitutional right to voice opinions on national issues, the Senate spokesman maintained that the cleric had overstepped his bounds with “aspersions and unsubstantiated claims.”

He said the legislative arm felt compelled to respond in order to prevent the public from being misled.

“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,” he noted.

Adaramodu also took a swipe at the pastor’s comparison of the current Assembly with the rejection of the infamous Third Term agenda during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration.

“It’s noteworthy that the executive has never brought any unconstitutional agenda before the 10th National Assembly—like the unspeakable but infamous Third Term bid, which Pastor Bakare used as a benchmark for legislative performance.”

He concluded by emphasising the need for national dialogue rooted in truth and mutual respect.

“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. The Senate remains open to engaging with all Nigerians, including Pastor Bakare, in the spirit of constructive engagement,” he stated.