President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, congratulated Pastor Tunde Bakare on November 11, 2024, as he celebrated his 70th birthday.
Pastor Bakare, a distinguished lawyer, pastor, leader, author, advocate for good governance, and politician, has significantly contributed to Nigerian society. He founded The Latter Rain Assembly, now known as The Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC).
Tinubu in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, joined Pastor Bakare’s family, friends, and the Christian community to celebrate his profound impact as a religious leader and gadfly.
President Tinubu reflected on Pastor Bakare’s bold and patriotic efforts to advocate for a better Nigeria. As a co-convener of the Save Nigeria Group (SNG), he was pivotal in leading civil demonstrations during critical periods in our nation’s history.
The President recognised Bakare’s unwavering faith and relentless dedication to advancing vital causes for the betterment of society. He describes Pastor Bakare as one of Nigeria’s most influential voices.
Also, former President Muhammadu Buhari, in a congratulatory message on the occasion to the Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC), by his media aide, Garba Shehu, described Pastor Bakare as a gadfly and a valuable asset to the nation.
He further described Dr Bakare as a living legend who left a lucrative law practice to work as a pastor, a towering figure in nation-building, and an embodiment of intellect, integrity, and courage.
“He is a man deeply committed to democratic values and principles of social justice, a man who is unafraid to speak up against injustice anywhere.
“I pray that God will give him the opportunity and the long life to see his vision of Nigeria where the poor and the marginalised are unfettered,” said the former president.
