Don’t vent your political frustration on N’Assembly — Senate tells Bakare

...Defends role in rejecting Rivers emergency declaration

...Says NASS won’t discuss sub judice matters

The Senate has issued a sharp response to recent remarks by Pastor Tunde Bakare, cautioning the prominent cleric against using what it described as “political frustrations” to discredit the 10th National Assembly.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, condemned Bakare’s comments as disrespectful and laden with sweeping allegations that, in the Senate’s view, undermine Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

“Pastor Bakare, a cleric and political voice in his own right, has previously made contributions to national discourse that have provoked reflection and dialogue,” Adaramodu stated.

“However, his latest remarks cross the line from constructive critique to rhetoric tainted with disdain and unsupported claims.”

While affirming the right of all Nigerians to express their views on governance, the Senate cautioned that such freedoms must not be used to spread misinformation or incite public distrust in democratic institutions.

“We value the input of all citizens, regardless of status, but we must draw a clear boundary when commentary descends into baseless accusations and inflammatory language,” Adaramodu said.

The statement went on to suggest that Bakare’s political affiliations cannot be divorced from the interpretation of his statements. Referencing his past as a presidential aspirant and former vice-presidential candidate, the Senate spokesperson argued that Bakare’s interventions should be viewed through a political lens.

“His remarks are not issued from a neutral pulpit,” Adaramodu said. “They carry the weight of a political actor and must be evaluated accordingly.”

Addressing one of the specific issues raised by Bakare, the controversial emergency declaration in Rivers State, Adaramodu defended the Senate’s position, insisting that the 10th Assembly had acted with integrity and in full observance of its constitutional duties.

“There are documented cases where the National Assembly has constructively challenged the Executive, including on the Rivers State matter,” he explained. “Our stance in those instances was rooted in constitutional principles and fidelity to the Nigerian people, not in political grandstanding.”

He further stressed that the legislature would not be lured into public commentary on issues currently under judicial review.

“We will not engage in debates on matters pending before the courts, in deference to the rule of law and out of respect for judicial independence,” he said.

The Senate also took issue with the notion that open hostility between branches of government is a sign of democratic health, pushing back on what it called a “misguided narrative.”

“Some may equate tension between the National Assembly and the Executive with effective oversight, but the true measure of institutional responsibility is found in outcomes, not in performative antagonism,” Adaramodu argued.

The statement pointed out that Pastor Bakare has, in the past, delivered similarly scathing critiques of other assemblies — some of which he now speaks of favourably. This inconsistency, the Senate suggested, casts doubt on the objectivity of his current criticisms.

Despite its pointed response, the Senate signalled a willingness to engage constructively with Bakare and other public figures in the national interest.

“We remain confident that, over time, the work of the 10th National Assembly will be better appreciated, perhaps even by Pastor Bakare himself, as a faithful effort to serve the Nigerian people,” Adaramodu said.

He concluded with an appeal for civility and responsibility in public discourse.

“We urge all civic and spiritual leaders to anchor their interventions in facts and national interest. Our democracy can only thrive through reasoned engagement that promotes progress rather than polarisation.”