From Pulpit to Provocation: Dangerous Rhetoric in a Fragile Democracy
By Princess Gloria Adebajo-Fraser MFR
Founder, The National Patriots, Publisher Headlinenews.news. Governance Consultant, Strategist & Researcher.
In his latest video release, Pastor Tunde Bakare adopts the tone and posture of a man justifying a coup d’état—a rhetoric far removed from the sacred duty of a spiritual leader. His address is not framed as constructive criticism, nor does it offer actionable policy alternatives. Rather, it reads like an incitement, a deliberate provocation against the authority of a democratically elected government.
This type of reckless public incitement, especially under a civilian administration, borders dangerously on what the law identifies as seditious communication—a potential treasonable offense in constitutional democracies.
While Nigeria’s challenges are well-documented, including inflation, unemployment, and rising food prices, the federal government has repeatedly appealed for patience, while implementing bold structural reforms in food security, health, power, and economic diversification. These reforms are not instant cures, but carefully layered solutions designed to pull Nigeria out of decades-long systemic decay.
In this context, Pastor Bakare’s broadcast is not helpful—it is harmful. Instead of offering faith-driven hope, national unity, or spiritual insight, he has chosen to use his pulpit as a megaphone for personal bitterness, presenting his political grievances as prophecy and veiled threats as patriotism.
“We are in a delicate season where national peace must be preserved at all costs. Those with platforms must use them to heal, not inflame,” said Prof. Isa Oloyede, constitutional law scholar.
Given the tense security situation in the North Central region, where lives have been lost to communal violence, and where the military is overstretched, Bakare’s timing is deeply irresponsible. It is not prophetic courage—it is political agitation disguised as religious expression.
If Pastor Bakare genuinely seeks reform, the path is clear: submit policy papers, engage through formal channels, or return to the political arena. What Nigeria does not need is a self-ordained prophet stirring a fragile polity in pursuit of personal validation.
Headlinenews.news Special Report.
