Pastor Tunde Bakare criticized Nigerian politicians for living lavishly amid widespread economic hardship during a memorial lecture in Lagos on August 8, 2024. He urged political leaders to demonstrate empathy and address the nation's challenges through dialogue. Bakare also questioned the ideological differences between APC and PDP, labeling them as similar
Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, criticized Nigerian politicians for living lavishly while asking citizens to endure economic hardship. Speaking at a memorial lecture in Lagos on August 8, 2024, Bakare emphasized the need for dialogue and empathy to address the country's challenges.
Bakare argued that political leaders have not demonstrated empathy, questioning how they can "live so large while your people are ravished in penury." He noted that hunger affects all Nigerians regardless of religion, tribe, or political affiliation, referencing the recent #EndBadGovernance protests across the country.
The pastor also expressed skepticism about the ideological differences between the two major political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), suggesting they are "two sides of the same coin."
Bakare, who previously contested the APC presidential primary in 2022, has been known for his outspoken criticism of the ruling class. He stated that the 2023 election results indicated Nigerians were tired of the APC.
The event, which honored the late Wilson Badejo and his wife Yinka, also featured discussions on fostering unity in diversity and included scholarship awards for 52 university students.
The article sparked debate among commenters, with some praising Bakare's statements while others criticized his past political involvement and questioned the timing of his remarks.
Some respondents highlighted perceived excesses in government spending, such as expensive official vehicles and high allowances for politicians, contrasting these with the low minimum wage for workers.
