Pastor Bakare to Nigerians: Declare State of Emergency, Tinubu’s Government Failing

Pastor Tunde Bakare has issued a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, urging Nigerians to declare a state of emergency in the country as he accused the government of failing in its responsibilities. Delivering a state of the nation address at The Citadel Global Community Church in Oregun, Lagos, the fiery cleric warned that Nigeria is sliding into tyranny, marked by widespread insecurity, legislative irresponsibility, and the abuse of power.

Bakare, a former presidential aspirant under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), said the current political atmosphere is rife with “political banditry,” and accused the country’s leadership of turning Nigeria into what he called a “mafia state.” He referenced the recent surge of killings in Plateau State as a grim indicator of how security has deteriorated under the Tinubu administration.

He also condemned the recent declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State by President Tinubu, saying it reflects a growing tendency toward authoritarianism. “What we have seen since the beginning of the year is a descent into tyranny and abuse of power,” he said.

The cleric did not spare the National Assembly either, criticizing its silence and complicity in enabling executive excesses. He referenced the controversial suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, as an example of how political institutions are being weaponized to silence dissent.

“Citizens must declare a state of emergency in Nigeria,” Bakare declared, urging Nigerians to take ownership of the country’s future rather than rely on leaders who, according to him, are driven by personal gain rather than national interest.

He called on President Tinubu to “stop playing God” and lead the country with fairness and justice, warning that Nigeria’s problems go far beyond its flawed constitution—they lie with those entrusted with power who refuse to wield it responsibly.

Bakare’s message was clear: Nigeria is at a critical tipping point, and citizens must act to rescue it from collapse.