The Nigerian Senate has responded to recent remarks by Pastor Tunde Bakare, warning him not to direct his personal or political frustration at the lawmakers.

In a statement on Tuesday, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, who speaks for the Senate, said Pastor Bakare’s comments were full of generalizations and disrespectful remarks that could damage people’s trust in Nigeria’s democracy.

Senator Adaramodu acknowledged that Bakare has played a strong role in national debates before, but said his latest comments were not helpful. Instead of giving useful feedback, the senator said Bakare used words that were harsh and based on personal opinions, not facts.

Bakare recently criticized the National Assembly, saying it had failed to stand up to the President and was weaker than past assemblies. But the Senate reminded the public that Bakare himself has a political history — he once ran for president and was a vice-presidential candidate. Because of this, the Senate believes his remarks may be politically driven.

Adaramodu also reminded Bakare that as a lawyer, he should know how to speak responsibly, especially about issues that are still in court. He said the Senate won’t comment on such matters.

Reacting to Bakare’s claim that the current Senate is too loyal to the President, Adaramodu pointed out cases where the Senate disagreed with the Executive — including on the state of emergency declared in Rivers State.

He also said it’s wrong for Bakare to compare this assembly with older ones, especially since the current government has not attempted anything illegal like the controversial Third Term agenda from the past.

Adaramodu said Bakare’s criticisms seem to come from personal or political frustration, and may be part of his plans for future political ambitions. He added that Bakare had also criticized older assemblies in the past, even though he now praises them.

The Senate hopes that one day, Pastor Bakare might appreciate the efforts of the 10th National Assembly. They called on public figures like him to be more careful and fact-based when speaking, especially since their words influence many people.

The Senate ended by saying Nigeria’s democracy isn’t perfect, but it needs support and constructive ideas — not negativity