Pastor Tunde Bakare, founder of the Citadel Global Community Church, has opened up about the reason behind his recent visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos.
The meeting, which took place on Wednesday, comes just 45 days after the outspoken cleric publicly criticized the Tinubu administration.
In an April sermon that drew national attention, Pastor Bakare warned the President against “playing God,” expressing deep concern over the direction of governance and cautioning that the administration appeared to be steering the country off course.
Despite the earlier criticism, Bakare said the visit was driven by a shared interest in the future of Nigeria. Speaking after the meeting, he explained that the conversation with President Tinubu centered on how to ensure Nigeria works within their lifetime.
Despite expressing satisfaction that the President received him well, the preacher refused to reveal details of his discussion with the President.
“Well, my visit to President Tinubu is about how the country will go well. My life, personal vision is to see a nation that works in my life time, and those things I’ve discussed with Mr. President. They are not hidden things, but I’ve learnt that when you discuss with the person in charge, you leave it to him to do whatever he wills with whatever you’ve suggested.
“I’ve had a private conversation with Mr. President, and I’m glad that he received me well. I trust that God will help our Nation.
“What transpired in my discussion with him, stays with him and with me. God guiding him and giving him wisdom will help this nation not to go down the drain, but to bounce back so that he can live a mark that cannot be erased,” he said.
He expressed his wishes for Nigeria, saying it’s time for the country to take steps to achieve progress.
“I’d like to see a peaceful Nation, I’d like to see Nigerians be their brother’s keeper. I’d like to see good collaboration between the best of North and the best of the South to steer Nigeria in the best direction.
“I’d like to see predictable progress in our nation. We’ve danced around some subjects for too long a time, it is time to take concrete action,” Bakare stated.