Essential Ndubuisi
Senior Pastor of the Citadel Global Community Church, formerly known as the Latter Rain Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has addressed pressing concerns regarding the removal of fuel subsidy and the prevailing corruption in Nigeria. In a State of the Nation broadcast themed ‘Vice, Virtue, and Time: The Three Things That Shall Never Stand Still,’ Pastor Bakare implored President Bola Tinubu to prioritize eradicating corruption while navigating the challenges posed by the fuel subsidy removal.
Pastor Bakare acknowledged the adverse economic impact of the fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians but stressed the need for a targeted fight against corruption. He urged President Tinubu to tackle corruption head-on, emphasizing that this battle must not come at the expense of the Nigerian populace.
In his address, the fiery televangelist called upon President Tinubu to rise above personal vendettas and foster reconciliation among Nigerians. He urged the President to provide genuine leadership by exemplifying a commitment to curbing corruption, promoting unity, and creating an environment where every Nigerian can believe in the strength of a united country.
Bakare’s address also extended to the proposed military intervention in the Niger Republic by ECOWAS. He cautioned against hasty military action, drawing parallels to past international interventions that resulted in protracted conflicts. Bakare advocated for a focus on good governance as a means of fostering alignment within the subregion.
On the issue of Nigeria’s harsh economy, Bakare highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of the challenges faced by citizens. He pressed President Tinubu to prioritize the fight against corruption, recover stolen funds, and redirect resources for the benefit of Nigerians. Bakare stressed that palliatives alone could not fully address the underlying issues.
The senior pastor also commented on the detention of individuals such as the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, and the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa. He questioned the equitable application of justice and urged the authorities to ensure due process.
In the context of the 2023 general elections, Pastor Bakare highlighted the decline in support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and called for introspection within the party. He cautioned that the party needed to revisit its foundational principles to remain politically relevant.
Pastor Bakare concluded his address by urging President Tinubu to embrace a progressive approach to governance, emphasizing inclusiveness, justice, and equitable distribution of opportunities. He called for a return to the original progressive ideology of the APC to address the nation’s challenges and build a stronger economy.
The pastor’s comprehensive address provided insights into various pressing issues affecting Nigeria and offered a series of recommendations for the way forward.
