by Alexander O. Onukwue

In that Sunday address credited to Pastor Tunde Bakare, there was the sense that he would start speaking up more National issues.

Being who he is, the comments he makes will resonate with a lot of persons, drawing some praise and enough criticism to be an issue. Together with being the head of a big congregation in Lagos, he has the ‘unique’ honour of being the only living Nigerian who was a running mate to someone who eventually became President, but not with him as Vice President.

Pastor Bakare would not condone the possibility of a military takeover; he said he will be one of those who will take to the streets to protest, and given his role in the 2012 anti-fuel hike movement, we know he can mobilise people. However, the other part of his speech about succession has left many wondering what his true ambitions are.

An undeniable supporter of President Buhari, Bakare wants the focus of the State at the moment to be on praying for the President to recover and return, rather than on auditioning for the role of the President, but even he must know that eventualities must be prepared for in clear terms.

Providing that clarity in his messages must be his focus, now that he has chosen to speak. It should not be permissible that his words could be taken to undermine the efforts of the Acting President so far in stepping up to the leadership pedestal especially at this divided and tense times. Pastor Bakare, as a person to whom many turn and listen, would better serve the interest of peace and progress if he restricts his comments to the present affairs of State, rather than employing a crystal ball to project the possibilities of 2019.

Because, like the Acting President has mentioned, it is usually words that lead to disturbances in society, especially words spoken in a subliminal coating.

Editor