The fiery founder of the Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has issued a stinging rebuke of Nigeria’s political leadership, accusing them of abandoning citizens to the growing menace of terrorism, a failure he says has pushed many Nigerians to look beyond their borders for help and protection.
Speaking during his “State of the Nation Address”, themed “Darkness Before Dawn” on Sunday in Lagos, Bakare said a disturbing shift has taken root in recent months during which terror-stricken communities now appeal to foreign presidents, international agencies and global institutions because they no longer trust Abuja to rescue them.
“It is a shame on the Nigerian government that these communities will resort to calling on the American government to help because their own government has failed them woefully,” Bakare declared.
He said the reverse trust, in which citizens now believe foreigners will act faster than their own government, is one of the clearest signs of Nigeria’s deepening governance crisis.
Renewed terror attacks trigger desperation
Bakare’s remarks follow a tense period marked by a resurgence of violent attacks across several states. Within a single week, Nigeria saw:
- ISWAP ambush that killed a brigade commander in Borno,
- Abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi,
- Church attack in Kwara where worshippers were taken, and
- Mass kidnapping of students** in Niger State’s Papiri community
Rather than inspire decisive action, Bakare said the Federal Government appeared overwhelmed.
He also criticised the secrecy around rescue missions and deals with armed groups, questioning why authorities have refused to explain crucial gaps in security.
“Who ordered the withdrawal of the military from the Kebbi school 45 minutes before the attack?” he asked.
Trump’s comments and Nigeria’s worst international embarrassment in years
The cleric said tensions escalated sharply after U.S. President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern, accusing the government of enabling or ignoring violence against Christian communities.
Trump had warned of a “fast, vicious and swift attack” on terrorists in Nigeria – comments that triggered diplomatic uproar and exposed Nigeria to ridicule on the global stage.
Bakare described the episode as Nigeria’s most humiliating international moment since the Abacha years, adding that it took foreign criticism for Nigerian officials to react.
“It is a stain on the Nigerian government that it took the threat of external intervention to rouse leaders to their responsibilities,” he said.
‘Political leaders are dancing on a hot stove’
The outspoken cleric accused the political class of prioritising 2027 election manoeuvres over the urgent security needs of citizens.
“Our political class has been dancing on a hot stove… numb to the painful realities that ordinary citizens endure daily,” he said.
He faulted the National Assembly for failing to convene hearings on insecurity at a time when the U.S. Congress was already examining Nigeria’s humanitarian crisis. According to him, this contrast reinforces public belief that foreign leaders care more about Nigerian lives than the country’s own officials.
A broken trust: Why Nigerians are looking abroad
The cleric outlined several reasons citizens are seeking external help to include:
- Repeated government failures to prevent or respond to attacks.
- Unexplained military withdrawals before major incidents.
- Slow or muted official reactions, except when pushed by foreign powers.
- Political distractions, particularly defections and power plays ahead of 2027.
- A history of unfulfilled promises on security sector reform.
He said Nigerians who feel abandoned will naturally turn to whoever appears willing to listen.
Urgent reforms: What Bakare wants Tinubu to do
Bakare called on President Bola Tinubu to implement sweeping reforms to restore public trust, including:
- establishing state and multi-level policing,
- deploying drones and advanced surveillance technology,
- strengthening intelligence architecture,
- setting up a victims’ register,
- issuing a national apology to survivors of terrorism,
- and creating a Presidential Commission for National Reconciliation.
He said bold action is needed now more than ever. “The Nigerian state must take responsibility. The people have suffered for too long,” he emphasised.
A warning and a call to leadership
Bakare ended his address with a warning that Nigeria stands at a dangerous crossroads, where citizens appealing to foreign governments could become a norm unless Abuja reclaims its authority.
“If the government does not act now, the people’s trust will continue to slip away,” he said. “A new breed without greed must rise in this nation.”
His message, sharp, urgent and deeply critical, underscores a growing sentiment across the country: Nigerians want protection, justice and leadership. And if they cannot get it at home, they will look elsewhere.
