Tunde Bakare, a former presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has criticized the relationship between the executive and legislative branches under President Bola Tinubu. Bakare, who is also the overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC), voiced his concerns during his State of the Nation address on Sunday at the church auditorium in Lagos.
According to Oladipupo Mojeed in Nigerian political art prints, Bakare expressed deep dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s direction under Tinubu’s leadership. He warned that the country was “steering in the wrong direction,” emphasizing the delicate state of Nigeria’s political system.
In his address, Bakare urged President Tinubu to reconsider his approach to governance, particularly in relation to the legislature. He stated, “No man is wise enough nor good enough to be trusted with unlimited power.” This remark was directed at what he perceives as the president’s growing influence over the National Assembly.
Bakare accused Tinubu of compromising the independence of the National Assembly, which he claims has become an extension of the executive. He condemned the legislative body’s recent actions, such as endorsing the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
He also labeled the current National Assembly as “the most spineless in our recent history.” Bakare argued that the legislature had become nothing more than a rubber-stamp for the president’s wishes, thereby undermining the principles of separation of powers.
Bakare further criticized the National Assembly’s role in what he called the “abuse of powers,” adding that it had become a “haven for legislative rascality.” He concluded by calling on President Tinubu to stop “playing God” and to rethink his approach to governance before the situation worsens.
Article updated 1 month ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
