LAGOS — Nigeria risks a popular uprising unless urgent reforms are made to address worsening insecurity and economic hardship, prominent cleric and former presidential aspirant, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has warned in a blistering Easter State-of-the-Nation address.
Bakare, presiding overseer of the Global Community Citadel Church in Lagos and former All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential hopeful, delivered a searing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, likening the current state of the nation to a descent into tyranny.
“Insecurity is rising, the economy is bleeding, and Nigerians are fast losing hope,” Bakare declared during his sermon in Ikeja. “This administration is fuelling a crisis that may soon become unmanageable.”
He cited a resurgence of violent killings in Plateau, Benue, and Enugu states, alongside record-high inflation, a crumbling naira, and recent stampede deaths at food distribution events, as indicators that Nigeria stands on the brink.
“What we have seen since the beginning of the year is the brazen abuse of power… a political culture shaped by ‘motor park’ politics,” he said, directly criticising Tinubu’s governing style.
‘People of Faith Are Weary’
The fiery cleric warned that the economic devastation brought on by fuel subsidy removal, currency devaluation, and inflation had pushed millions to the edge. He recalled tragic incidents of parents tossing children over fences at food drives, comparing them to biblical scenes of famine.
Bakare accused the Tinubu-led government of muzzling institutions, turning the National Assembly into “the 48th cabinet member” and the Rivers State crisis into a “theatre of the absurd.”
Bakare’s Five-Point Rescue Plan:
- A Diaspora Investment Fund to attract capital and recover looted funds
- A Reform Amelioration Incentive Scheme to ease pressure on the poor
- Decentralised security architecture across local, state and zonal levels
- An empowered, nonpartisan National Intelligence Directorate
- A national healing and reconciliation commission anchored in justice
“No man is wise enough or good enough to be trusted with unlimited power,” he cautioned. “Mr. President, stop playing God. Nigeria is too fragile for this kind of politics.”
Kukah: ‘Bring Us Down From This Cross’
In Sokoto, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese echoed the call for urgent change. In a passionate Easter Vigil homily, Kukah likened Nigeria’s suffering to the crucifixion of Christ.
“You neither erected this cross nor effected our collective crucifixion,” Kukah said in an appeal to Tinubu. “Yet, Nigerians are bleeding on this cross of pain, hunger, and despair.”
He criticised the federal government’s handling of insecurity, especially the growing spate of kidnappings and widespread food insecurity. “Please bring us down from this cross of hunger,” he pleaded, warning that if urgent steps are not taken, the country may spiral into chaos.
Presidency, Reps, and Rivers Respond
Responding to the address, Presidential aide Daniel Bwala acknowledged Bakare’s remarks were “objective” in parts and reaffirmed Tinubu’s commitment to delivering on his promises.
The House of Representatives has vowed to issue a formal response, while a media aide to Rivers State’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), dismissed Bakare’s criticism as “vituperation” unworthy of serious attention.
“We won’t be distracted by commentary that adds no value,” said Hector Igbikiowubo.
Despite the backlash, Bakare and Kukah’s Easter messages have sparked renewed national conversations around leadership, governance, and the soul of the Nigerian republic.
