A prominent Nigerian pastor and former presidential aspirant, Tunde Bakare, has warned that the country risks a “popular uprising” under President Bola Tinubu’s administration unless there is a significant change in economic and security policies.
Speaking during an Easter broadcast in Lagos, Pastor Bakare, who leads the Global Community Citadel Church, criticised what he called the “motor-park brand of politics” and accused the government of driving Nigeria “toward the brink.”
He cited the recent surge in killings in Plateau, Benue, and Enugu states, alongside the severe economic hardship caused by fuel subsidy removal, currency devaluation, and rising inflation.
“What we have seen since the beginning of the year is a descent into tyranny and the brazen abuse of power,” Pastor Bakare said.
He argued that the economic pain is pushing citizens to their limits, highlighting incidents like fatal stampedes at food distribution events and the World Bank’s estimate of over one million Nigerians falling into “severe food insecurity” in the past year.
Pastor Bakare also criticised the president’s handling of the National Assembly, accusing it of becoming an extension of the executive, and condemned the state of emergency declared in Rivers State.
He called on President Tinubu to sack underperforming aides and implement a five-point plan, including measures to mobilise diaspora capital, cushion the impact of economic reforms, restructure security forces, empower intelligence agencies, and promote national unity.
“No man is wise enough nor good enough to be trusted with unlimited power,” Pastor Bakare said, urging the president to “stop playing God.”
The presidency responded to Pastor Bakare’s criticisms, stating that while they disagreed on some points, they respected his right to speak and reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to fulfilling his promises.
Meanwhile, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto also delivered a strongly worded Easter message, calling on President Tinubu to “rescue Nigerians from a cross of pain, brutality, and hopelessness.” He criticised the government’s handling of insecurity and economic hardship and urged for food security to be made a fundamental human right.
The controversy also included a response from the Rivers State Sole Administrator, through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo, who dismissed Pastor Bakare’s remarks as “vituperations” and an attempt to “sow discord.” He stated that the administration was focused on its mandate and would not be distracted by such commentary.
The House of Representatives has indicated it will respond to Pastor Bakare’s criticisms in due course.
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