The Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, on Sunday declared that his head remains unbowed because he did not compromise on the values that are integral to building a New Nigeria.
He also said that for him and a few others, the means have always been as important as the end, stressing that this is why they confidently wear their “zero votes” as a badge of “zero tolerance for a certain kind of politics” during the presidential primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This was as he prayed that the Good Lord will bless Nigeria with leaders not in love with money but in love with justice and leaders not in love with publicity but in love with humanity as well as leaders who can subject their particular egos to the pressing urgencies of the great cause of freedom.
In his words; “May we all find it within ourselves to become these leaders no matter the temptation to be less than.
“This is the moment where those leaders must begin to revive the dreams of our founding patriots; the dreams of a Nigeria strong and united though tribes and tongues may differ.
“The dreams of a Nigeria where no one is oppressed, no matter which part of the country they come from and live in, and no matter how they choose to worship God. Nigeria has a seat at the table of nationhood, especially an ideal Nigeria where peace and justice reign,” he said.
Bakare, who stated these while addressing members of his church during Sunday service in Lagos, however, wished the APC Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu the best in the 2023 general elections.
Pastor Bakare was one of the contestants for the APC presidential ticket at the party’s primaries which took place on June 8, 2022.
In an address titled; “A New Nigeria is Still Possible”, Pastor Bakare said he remained committed to such a new Nigeria that would work for all and sundry, stressing that his confidence was rooted in the Biblical reference in Daniel 4:17 that Holy God rules human kingdoms and can raise leaders out of losers.
He said that since he will ultimately give account to God, he will continually trust Him despite what may today appear to be a setback, stressing that there is still a cause and a nation to transform.
Bakar said that it is not the work of just one man or woman or just one party, but the calling upon every Nigerian worthy of the name.
He further said; “It is my earnest prayer that the Good Lord will bless Nigeria with leaders not in love with money but in love with justice.”
He congratulated Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his victory at the APC presidential primaries, adding that his emergence as the flagbearer of the APC is a testament to his significant contributions to the course of the South West as well as his labour towards the formation and establishment of the APC.
Bakare said; “I, therefore, extend best wishes to him as he proceeds on the campaign trail towards the 2023 general elections”.
He said that he had a lifelong commitment to serving his nation, Nigeria and remained convinced now more than ever that the quest to serve his beloved nation, Nigeria, had been a worthy adventure for a worthy cause.
Bakare further said; “As a presidential aspirant at the APC’s Special Convention, it had been a great honour for me to be the standard-bearer of the message of a New Nigeria; a Nigeria that works for every Nigerian.
“I remain audaciously confident that a New Nigeria is possible and that, upon the foundational values of integrity and incorruptibility. Nigeria will, no doubt, become a cutting-edge nation; a nation that will, one day, be the peace, progress, prosperity, and possibilities capital of the world.
“I remain committed to working towards this cause in the days ahead in whatsoever capacity God and the good people of Nigeria so choose,” he assured.
Bakare thanked his supporters across the nation and in the Diaspora for their unalloyed support despite the challenges leading up to the primaries and also prayed for those who had suffered with him and followed him before, now, and future that they would not lose their reward, but live to enjoy good governance in the new Nigeria.
