Tunde Bakare Is Fueling Tension, Not Unity!” – Ibas Blows Hot In Fiery Rebuttal

Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (Rtd.), has expressed disappointment over the remarks made by Pastor Tunde Bakare, leader of the Global Community Citadel Church, accusing him of using the solemn occasion of Easter to sow seeds of discord rather than promote peace.

Pastor Bakare had recently raised concerns about Nigeria allegedly sliding into tyranny under President Bola Tinubu, citing the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State as a glaring example of abuse of power. He further criticized the National Assembly, branding it the “most spineless” in the country’s history for backing the president’s actions.

Reacting through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo, the Rivers State administration dismissed Bakare’s comments as distractions, stating that they add no value to the peace-building process in the state.

“The administration led by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.) remains focused on delivering its mandate, despite attempts by certain individuals seeking attention,” Igbikiowubo said in an interview with Punch.

He criticized Bakare for deviating from the core message of Easter, saying, “Rather than use the season to preach unity and healing, he chose to stir controversy and promote disunity.”

Igbikiowubo added, “Honestly, I’m not familiar with this pastor. He was once a vice-presidential candidate? Clearly, he did not succeed. Nigeria is a nation of over 230 million people, with countless religious leaders. If someone in such a position abandons the true Easter message of peace and instead centers himself in a needless political commentary, we won’t dignify that.”

He questioned how Bakare’s remarks contribute to resolving the issues in Rivers State, saying, “Does he want the situation to deteriorate further? Whatever happens in Rivers State has ripple effects across Nigeria.”

Concluding, Igbikiowubo urged religious leaders to embrace the Easter message of peace and national unity, advising them to influence their followers positively rather than fan the flames of division.

“Tunde Bakare’s comments in this instance are not constructive. We choose not to dignify them beyond pointing out their divisive nature,” he stated.