Prominent clerics Pastor Tunde Bakare and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah have issued scathing Easter messages warning that Nigeria risks a popular uprising, widespread hunger, and national collapse unless President Bola Tinubu’s administration changes course on the economy, security, and governance.
In separate addresses, both religious leaders called for urgent reforms, lamenting rising poverty, insecurity, and perceived abuse of power, even as the Presidency and the Rivers State Government pushed back, defending ongoing policies and accusing critics of stoking division.
During his Easter State-of-the-Nation address in Lagos, Pastor Bakare accused Tinubu of steering Nigeria toward tyranny and economic collapse, warning that “the rage of the poor” could soon erupt into a people-led uprising.
Citing inflation, naira devaluation, subsidy removal, and worsening insecurity, the former APC presidential aspirant said Nigeria is being run by “motor park politicians” lacking the vision and humility needed to lead.
“Mr. President, please stop playing God. Nigeria is too delicate for this kind of politics,” Bakare warned, likening recent economic stampedes that led to dozens of deaths to biblical famines.
He accused Tinubu of turning the National Assembly into “the 48th member of the cabinet” and condoning executive overreach in Rivers State, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara was suspended and replaced by a sole administrator—a move Bakare described as “the theatre of the absurd.”
Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto used his Easter Vigil message to issue a moral rebuke of the government’s handling of poverty, violence, and hunger, likening Nigeria to Christ on the cross.
“Mr. President, Nigeria is gradually becoming a huge national morgue,” Kukah said, pleading for Tinubu to “bring us down from this painful cross of hunger.”
He blamed the current economic hardship—aggravated by fuel subsidy removal and inflation—for worsening social tensions and lamented the rise in violent crimes and kidnappings.
Kukah acknowledged that Tinubu did not create many of the country’s problems but insisted it was now his duty to fix them.
Reacting to Bakare’s message, Presidential aide Daniel Bwala said while the government disagrees with some of the cleric’s views, it respects his right to speak freely.
“Although we differ with him in some areas, we assure him, as with many Nigerians, that President Tinubu is determined to deliver on his promise,” Bwala posted on X.
In Rivers State, Bakare’s comments drew a sharp rebuttal. Hector Igbikiowubo, media aide to the state’s sole administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), dismissed the sermon as “vituperation” and accused Bakare of sowing discord during a season of peace.
“Tunde Bakare has not helped in this instance… The administration will not dignify his commentary,” Igbikiowubo said, urging clerics to preach unity instead.
Bakare and Kukah’s criticisms come amid a surge in violence. Over 120 people were reportedly killed in April in Plateau State, while Benue saw 56 deaths in twin attacks by suspected herders. Relief agencies report mass displacement and destruction of communities.
Both clerics offered paths forward. Bakare unveiled a five-point reform plan, including a diaspora investment fund, a reform cushioning scheme for the poor, and decentralised security architecture.
Kukah, echoing the Vatican’s declaration of 2025 as the “Year of Hope,” called on Nigerians not to give up.
“These times of great suffering should be times of hope—hope that does not disappoint,” Kukah said.
