Bakare Slams Tinubu’s Grip on National Assembly, Warns of Democratic Collapse
LAGOS, Nigeria—Pastor Tunde Bakare, former All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant and Serving Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC), sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu on April 20, 2025, for undermining Nigeria’s democracy by exerting excessive control over the National Assembly. In a fiery State of the Nation address at his Lagos church, Bakare accused Tinubu of reducing the legislature to a “spineless” extension of the executive, sparking #StopPlayingGod at 90,000 X posts amid Nigeria’s economic woes—naira at N1,610/$1 and 40% inflation—as of April 21, 2025.
A Legislature Under Siege
Bakare condemned the 10th National Assembly as the “most spineless in recent history,” alleging it has become the “48th member of Tinubu’s cabinet,” rubber-stamping executive decisions and violating separation of powers, per Leadership and The Nation. He cited the Assembly’s approval of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for demanding accountability from Senate President Godswill Akpabio as evidence of legislative rascality, per Channels TV. “Mr. President, Nigeria is too delicate for this motor park brand of politics,” Bakare warned, urging Tinubu to “stop playing God.” #TinubuNASS posts (70,000) echo his alarm, with @thecableng tweeting, “Bakare: NASS under Tinubu is the most ineffective since 1999.”
Rivers Crisis and Legislative Overreach
The cleric described the Rivers emergency rule, where Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed Sole Administrator, as a “theatre of the absurd” orchestrated by Tinubu, with the National Assembly’s endorsement proving its complicity, per The PUNCH. Bakare also criticized the Assembly’s handling of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, questioning why a senator was penalized for seeking transparency, per Daily Trust. #RiversAbsurd posts (60,000) and #FreeNatasha posts (50,000) reflect public outrage, with @Nigerialawyers noting, “Bakare calls Tinubu’s NASS a mafia state enabler.”
Economic and Security Context
Bakare’s critique comes as Nigeria faces a naira crash to N1,610/$1, forex reserves at $38 billion, and rice at ₦100,000 per bag, per NBS and Bloomberg. He linked Tinubu’s “mishandled” fuel subsidy removal and naira float to widespread poverty, citing a 2024 Financial Times report, per Linda Ikeji’s Blog. Insecurity—56 killed in Benue, 10,000 displaced in Plateau floods—further fuels discontent, per Reuters. #FixNigeria posts (150,000) demand reform, while Wizkid’s Morayo offers cultural relief, per BellaNaija. Analyst Dr. Tunde Lawal said, “Bakare’s warning highlights a democracy at risk—Tinubu must restore checks and balances.”
Proposed Solutions and Public Reaction
Bakare proposed a five-point plan: a diaspora-funded investment fund, a reform cushion for the poor, multilevel policing, a nonpartisan intelligence directorate, and national reconciliation, per The PUNCH. Supporters like @remedy_blog hailed his boldness, with #BakareSpeaks at 80,000 posts, while critics like @APCDefender accused him of grandstanding, per X. Lawal noted, “Bakare’s plan is ambitious, but implementation hinges on political will.” #NigeriaDecides posts (100,000) debate Tinubu’s response, per Naija News.
A Call to Reflect
Bakare urged Tinubu to sack underperforming aides and embrace humility, warning that his “emi lo kan” (it’s my turn) politics risks a “counterproductive anti-climax,” per National Accord. The Presidency pushed back, claiming Tinubu is committed to progress, per The PUNCH. As Enugu’s Igbo festival buzzes, per Arise News, Nigeria awaits whether Tinubu will heed Bakare’s call or tighten his grip. Will democracy hold?
