The Presidency has responded to recent comments made by Pastor Tunde Bakare during his Easter sermon, in which he strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over the state of the economy and alleged abuses of power.
In a statement released Monday morning, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Kehinde Adebayo, acknowledged Pastor Bakare’s right to speak freely, especially as a religious leader and citizen, but cautioned against “the use of the pulpit to peddle inaccuracies and mischaracterize the efforts of this administration.”
“President Tinubu remains fully committed to addressing the economic challenges facing our country, many of which are the cumulative results of decades of systemic issues. Since assuming office, the administration has taken bold, sometimes difficult, steps to stabilize the economy, combat corruption, and strengthen democratic institutions,” the statement read.
While the Presidency noted that hardship persists for many Nigerians, it emphasized that economic reforms—including the removal of fuel subsidies, forex unification, and the push for increased local production—are already showing early signs of impact, and long-term benefits are anticipated.
Reacting specifically to the allegation of “abuse of power,” the Presidency reiterated its commitment to the rule of law and democratic governance. “The Tinubu administration has not and will not weaponize state institutions against dissent. Constructive criticism is a cornerstone of democracy, but it should be based on facts and not political grandstanding cloaked in religious rhetoric.”