Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, criticized Nigerian politicians on Wednesday for not sharing in the economic sacrifices they demand from citizens. Speaking at the Wilson and Yinka Badejo Memorial Lecture 2024 at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos, Bakare highlighted the disparity between the lifestyles of politicians and the hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians.
The event, organized by the Wilson & Badejo Foundation to honor the late Wilson Badejo, former General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church, and his wife Yinka, featured Bakare as the keynote speaker. His address, titled “Cultivating a Culture of Dialogue: Nurturing Understanding in a Culturally and Socially Diverse Nation,” emphasized the importance of dialogue and empathy in resolving Nigeria’s challenges.
Bakare urged leaders to engage in open and transparent communication, fostering trust and understanding. He argued that true leadership involves empathy and sharing in the struggles of the people, rather than living extravagantly while the populace suffers. Reflecting on the #Endbadgovernance protests, Bakare noted that economic hardship transcends religious, tribal, and political lines, uniting Nigerians in their dissatisfaction with the status quo.
He also criticized the lack of ideological differences between the major political parties, APC and PDP, citing examples like Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, who switched from APC to PDP and won elections under both banners. Bakare’s remarks included a broader critique of the ruling class, asserting that the APC has strayed from its founding principles.
Debola Deji-Kurunmi, an author and Public Policy Advisor, also spoke at the event, calling for unity and appreciation of Nigeria’s cultural diversity. She highlighted the foundation’s efforts in youth rehabilitation and scholarships for indigent students.
The event concluded with the presentation of the Stewardship Excellence Award to Rev. Peter Ameadaji and scholarship awards to 52 university students, with notable attendees including Rev. Sam Aboyeji, Rev. Akin Akeju, and Femi Badejo.
