By Cross Udo, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu and his predecessor in office, Muhammadu Buhari, have congratulated Pastor Tunde Bakare on his 70th birthday.
Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said that 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).
On this occasion, the President joined Bakare’s family, friends, and the Christian community to celebrate his profound impact as a religious leader and gadfly.
Tinubu reflected on Bakare’s bold and patriotic efforts to advocate for a better Nigeria, saying, “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 acknowledged Bakare’s unwavering faith and relentless dedication to advancing vital causes for the betterment of society.
He described Bakare as one of Nigeria’s most influential voices.
“As Pastor Bakare reaches this significant milestone, President Tinubu wishes him robust health and many more years of service in the Lord’s vineyard and advancing our beloved nation.”
Also, a former president, Muhammadu Buhari, joined family, friends, and the nation to celebrate Bakare, his vice presidential running mate in the unsuccessful presidential election in 2011, as he marked the milestone of 70 years.
In a congratulatory message to the Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC), the former President, in a statement by Garba Shehu, described Bakare “as a gadfly and a valuable asset to the nation.”
He further described 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 deeply committed to democratic values and principles of social justice, a man 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.
