Tunde Bakare

Tunde Bakare (born 11 November 1954) is a Nigerian pastor, author, lawyer, public speaker, and politician. He is the Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church (formerly Latter Rain Assembly) and was the vice-presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in the 2011 Nigerian presidential election alongside Muhammadu Buhari. He is known for his State of the Nation broadcasts and his public commentary on governance, democracy, and national development. Quotes "There is too much hypocrisy in the Church." Tunde Bakare discussing the Church's involvement in politics. "I never stepped down from the pulpit; all through the campaign period I returned home every Sunday to preach." Tunde Bakare reflecting on balancing ministry and politics. "Leadership must be transparent." Tunde Bakare explaining why he personally participated in the fuel subsidy protests. "I can't stop the press from doing whatever they will with what I said. But there is a difference between ambition and a vision that is clear to you." Tunde Bakare discussing reports about his presidential ambition. "I'm, first and foremost, a Nigerian, a Christian, a child of God; therefore, one ready to do his Master's bidding." Tunde Bakare discussing his identity and public service. "Now is the time to put aside religious, zonal, ethnic and other differences and to speak with one voice against the enemies of our common patrimony." Tunde Bakare calling for national unity in his State of the Nation address. "I firmly believe we are at the cusp of winds of change that will usher in the New Nigeria." Tunde Bakare expressing hope for Nigeria's future. "Nigeria is building a legacy that cannot be erased." Tunde Bakare discussing Nigeria's democratic journey. "We cannot rearrange the old and label it the new; that is an exercise in self-deception." Tunde Bakare discussing the meaning of genuine national change. "The caterpillar must be willing to give up being what it has always been before it can become a butterfly." Tunde Bakare speaking on transformation and national renewal. "We must turn our backs on what used to be if we are ever to become something new." Tunde Bakare discussing the sacrifices required for meaningful change. "As long as I breathe, I will continue to contribute my quota to building an enduring and progressive nation." Tunde Bakare explaining his commitment to Nigeria. "This president does give a damn as far as public declaration of assets is concerned." Tunde Bakare commenting on anti-corruption efforts. "A strong federal government working with strong federating units can guarantee the security and prosperity of the Nigerian people." Tunde Bakare discussing restructuring and federalism. "We have failed to appreciate the fact that coordinated governance by the different states will enhance the security of Nigerians and bring our people out of poverty." Tunde Bakare explaining the benefits of restructuring. "Nigeria is in a state of emergency." Tunde Bakare speaking on the country's political and security challenges. "Honest efforts are not enough when they are merely cosmetic." Tunde Bakare discussing governance and reform. "Take the yoke off the neck of the poor; go after the loot, recover the loot, and retool it to the benefit of Nigerians." Tunde Bakare calling for stronger action against corruption. "Palliatives cannot address the root cause of the problem." Tunde Bakare discussing Nigeria's economic challenges. "No man is wise enough nor good enough to be trusted with unlimited power." Tunde Bakare warning against the concentration of political power. "Nigeria is too delicate for this kind of politics." Tunde Bakare commenting on democratic governance. "This nation has given me a lot of opportunities in life. As far as I am concerned, it is payback time." Tunde Bakare explaining why he sought the presidency. "Why can't the states, working as regional blocs, harness their comparative advantages and compete with one another in productivity and innovation?" Tunde Bakare discussing restructuring and regional development. "Why can't we allow for electricity generation, transmission and distribution at the zonal, state and community levels?" Tunde Bakare proposing reforms to Nigeria's power sector. "Every state of the federation is endowed with mineral resources. Would it not be a better strategy for states to be empowered to manage these resources?" Tunde Bakare advocating fiscal federalism. "I have done whatever I have done for any government, past or present, publicly or behind the scenes, pro bono." Tunde Bakare explaining his relationship with successive Nigerian governments. "The Office of the Citizen is the highest office in the land." Tunde Bakare speaking on civic responsibility. "We must separate the enemies of Nigeria from the enemies of democracy." Tunde Bakare introducing his State of the Nation address on national challenges. "Nation-building requires visionary leadership, responsible followership and strong institutions." Tunde Bakare discussing the building blocks of nationhood. "The blood of our youth must never become the foundation of our nationhood." Tunde Bakare reflecting on the #EndSARS protests. "Our democracy is faced with an existential threat." Tunde Bakare discussing the state of Nigeria's democracy. "The National Assembly has become an extension of the Executive." Tunde Bakare commenting on the separation of powers. "Mr. President, Nigeria is too delicate for this kind of politics." Tunde Bakare addressing President Bola Tinubu on governance. "The National Assembly has, by its actions and inactions, become the most spineless in our recent history." Tunde Bakare criticizing the legislature. External links Official website Category:1954 births Category:Living people Category:Religious leaders from Nigeria