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Pastor Tunde Bakare Critiques Nigerian Legislators Over Security Crisis
Tunde Bakare, Lead Pastor of Citadel Global Community Church, has openly rebuked Nigerian lawmakers for their apparent neglect of the escalating insecurity plaguing the nation.
Delivering his State of the Nation Address in Lagos on Sunday, Bakare expressed deep disappointment in the National Assembly’s failure to take decisive action amid the growing security challenges.
He lamented, “It is deeply regrettable that it was the United States Congress, rather than our own elected representatives, that convened a hearing to address the harrowing realities Nigerians face daily due to insecurity.”
Bakare criticized the political class for being engrossed in internal politicking, including party defections and power struggles, as they jockey for positions ahead of the 2027 elections, rather than focusing on urgent national issues.
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International Condemnation and Government’s Reactive Posture
Bakare highlighted the disparaging remarks made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who described Nigeria in “the most contemptible terms ever uttered by a world leader,” branding it a “now-disgraced country.”
He pointed out that the Nigerian government’s sudden surge in activity following Trump’s comments revealed a prior state of complacency and neglect.
The pastor accused Nigerian officials of “burying their heads in the sand like ostriches,” distracted by political chaos instead of addressing governance and security.
He further condemned the political elite for disregarding the daily hardships endured by Nigerians and for paying scant attention to effective governance, calling it “a blemish on Nigeria’s leadership” that external pressure was necessary to spur action.
Security Failures and National Image at Stake
Bakare lamented that Nigeria is enduring its most damaging international reputation since the era of General Sani Abacha, attributing this to prolonged leadership failures and a reluctance to confront the country’s profound crises.
He expressed grave concern over the surge in terrorist attacks and kidnappings, stating, “Terrorists and bandits now brazenly challenge the Nigerian state without fear of consequences.”
While some abducted individuals have been freed, Bakare questioned the circumstances surrounding their release, implying possible undisclosed negotiations.
Unanswered Questions Surrounding Kebbi School Attack
Addressing the recent attack on a school in Kebbi State, Bakare demanded transparency, asking, “Who authorized the military withdrawal from the school just 45 minutes before the assault?”
He also questioned what agreements or compromises might have been made with the assailants, emphasizing that these issues raise “more questions than answers.”
Calling for comprehensive reforms, Bakare stressed the urgent need to overhaul national security and governance frameworks to prevent further destabilization
On October 31, 2025, the United States officially reclassified Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to ongoing human rights and security issues.
Subsequently, on November 20, 2025, a U.S. Congressional hearing scrutinized Nigeria’s escalating violence and the surge in kidnappings, with testimonies describing attacks on Christian communities as tantamount to “genocide.”
The Nigerian government refuted claims of targeted religious violence, asserting that its security operations address threats impacting all citizens indiscriminately.
Escalating Kidnappings and Government Response
Despite international attention, kidnappings have surged alarmingly. Over 300 students and staff were abducted from St Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State, while 25 girls were taken from a secondary school in Kebbi State. Additionally, 38 worshippers were kidnapped in Kwara State.
In response, the government has mandated the closure of schools deemed vulnerable and intensified military presence in high-risk regions to curb further attacks.
