By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, delivered a scathing critique of Nigerian politicians for their luxurious lifestyles while urging citizens to tighten their belts.
Speaking at the Wilson and Yinka Badejo Memorial Lecture 2024 in Lagos, Bakare highlighted the growing discontent in the country, fueled by widespread hunger and economic hardship. He pointed out the hypocrisy of leaders who live in opulence while their people suffer in poverty, stating, “An empathetic leader does not feed fat while asking the people to tighten their belts.”
Bakare emphasized the importance of empathy, transparency, and effective communication in leadership, noting that “empathy requires us to see beyond our own perspective and seek to comprehend the experiences of others.” He called for open and honest dialogue between the government and the people as the only viable solution to the nation’s challenges, warning that continued neglect could lead to further unrest. “Hunger knows no religion, tribe, or political party,” he asserted, stressing the need for leaders to genuinely connect with the struggles of the masses
