Stop Playing God, Nigeria Sliding into Tyranny – Pastor Tunde Bakare Criticizes Tinubu Govt

The Presiding Overseer of the Global Community Citadel Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has delivered a scathing critique of Nigeria’s current governance, accusing the National Assembly of abandoning its constitutional responsibilities and warning President Bola Tinubu against the abuse of power.

Speaking during his annual State of the Nation broadcast held on Easter Sunday at the church’s auditorium, Bakare described the 10th National Assembly as “the most spineless in Nigeria’s recent history,” alleging that it has become a mere extension of the Presidency rather than an independent arm of government.

“The National Assembly has surrendered itself as a rubber stamp for the executive,” he said. “If this same Assembly had been in place in 2006 during the third term agenda debate, it would have likely endorsed it, setting our democracy back by decades.”

Bakare, who was the running mate to President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2011 elections under the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), didn’t hold back in his criticism of President Bola Tinubu. He accused the President of orchestrating a legislative environment where accountability is sacrificed for loyalty.

“Legislative rascality has replaced responsible governance,” Bakare stated. “The principles of separation of powers are being grossly violated. We now have a National Assembly that rubber-stamps the President’s every whim.”

In a pointed message to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Bakare urged him to “subject himself to an unbiased investigation” to clear his name of the various allegations swirling around him.

Quoting the phrase, “No man is wise enough or good enough to be trusted with unlimited power,” Bakare warned Tinubu against authoritarian tendencies, cautioning him to “stop playing God.” He criticized the President’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it “a theatre of the absurd” and yet another indication of unchecked executive overreach rubber-stamped by what he termed a docile legislature.

The fiery cleric further warned that Nigeria is descending into tyranny under Tinubu’s leadership. “There is a deliberate effort to destabilise our political institutions,” he said. “Those in power must embrace humility and govern with wisdom.”

While clarifying that he does not wish for Tinubu to fail, Bakare added, “I do not share his political ideology, but I hope he succeeds for the sake of the nation. However, success will only come through humility, wise counsel, and respect for the rule of law.”

Lagos Reporters will continue to track developments around governance, power dynamics, and public accountability as Nigeria navigates this critical chapter in its democratic journey.