Paragraph 1: The Spark of Controversy
Pastor Tunde Bakare, a prominent Nigerian cleric and former presidential aspirant, ignited a firestorm of criticism directed at the 10th National Assembly during his Easter State-of-the-Nation address. He accused the legislative body of becoming a haven for "legislative rascality" and functioning as a mere extension of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, essentially labeling them the "48th member." Bakare’s broadside didn’t stop there. He also condemned the National Assembly’s support for the state of emergency declared in Rivers State and expressed deep concern over escalating insecurity across the nation, citing troubling incidents in Plateau, Benue, and Enugu states. His comments painted a picture of a failing government and a complicit legislature, setting the stage for a sharp rebuttal from the Senate.
Paragraph 2: The Senate’s Rebuke
The Senate wasted no time responding to Bakare’s stinging critique. Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, issued a strongly worded statement characterizing Bakare’s accusations as "sweeping, disparaging, and politically motivated." He dismissed the pastor’s assertions as a "biased and political ecumenical homily" and emphasized the Senate’s refusal to engage in matters currently under judicial review, citing respect for the rule of law and the judiciary’s independence. This initial response set the tone for a detailed defense of the 10th National Assembly’s actions and a firm rejection of Bakare’s characterization of their role.
Paragraph 3: Rejecting the Narrative of Legislative Acquiescence
Adaramodu challenged the narrative of a passive legislature subservient to the executive branch. He argued that while a degree of tension between the two branches is a natural and even healthy aspect of a functioning democracy with checks and balances, this tension shouldn’t be misconstrued as a lack of oversight. He suggested that Bakare’s harsh judgment stemmed from personal political frustrations, ideological differences, or perhaps even strategic posturing for future political endeavors. The Senate spokesman insisted that such criticisms, based on personal agendas rather than objective analysis, were detrimental to Nigeria’s democratic progress. This framing sought to portray Bakare’s critique as self-serving rather than a genuine concern for the nation.
Paragraph 4: Defending the 10th National Assembly’s Record
While acknowledging Bakare’s right to free speech, Adaramodu asserted that the pastor had crossed the line with his "aspersions and unsubstantiated claims." He stressed the Senate’s obligation to respond and correct what they perceived as misleading information being disseminated to the public. Adaramodu pointed to specific instances where the 10th Assembly had disagreed with the executive branch, including aspects of the Rivers State emergency declaration that Bakare had criticized. This served to demonstrate that the legislature was not simply rubber-stamping executive decisions. He further refuted the comparison to the rejection of the "Third Term" agenda during Obasanjo’s presidency, arguing that the current administration had not presented any similar unconstitutional proposals to the National Assembly.
Paragraph 5: Drawing a Contrast with the Past
The Senate sought to further differentiate the 10th National Assembly from previous legislatures often perceived as being more pliable to executive pressure. Adaramodu underscored the absence of any unconstitutional agenda from the current executive, drawing a clear contrast with the controversial "Third Term" bid during the Obasanjo era, which Bakare had used as a benchmark for legislative effectiveness. This comparison aimed to portray the current Assembly as more principled and independent compared to its predecessors. It served as a direct rebuttal to Bakare’s implication that the current legislature was lacking in backbone.
Paragraph 6: A Call for Constructive Dialogue
Concluding the Senate’s response, Adaramodu emphasized the importance of national dialogue grounded in truth, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to nation-building. He cautioned against divisive rhetoric that erodes public trust in democratic institutions. While firmly rejecting Bakare’s criticisms, the Senate extended an olive branch, expressing its willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with all Nigerians, including Pastor Bakare himself. This concluding gesture aimed to project an image of openness and a commitment to productive discourse, while simultaneously defending the integrity and independence of the 10th National Assembly.
