Pastor Tunde Bakare Recounts Intervention in Alamieyeseigha's Pardon
Founder of Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has publicly detailed his pivotal role in the decision that led to the presidential pardon granted to former Bayelsa State governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha. Bakare made these revelations during the second edition of the Citadel School of Governance Dialogue Series, held in Lagos under the theme 'The Rough Road to Reforms: The Risks, the Resistance, the Reprisals, and the Resilient Leader.'
Bakare's Meeting with Goodluck Jonathan
Bakare explained that he met with former President Goodluck Jonathan when Jonathan was serving as acting president. He urged Jonathan to grant a pardon to Alamieyeseigha, citing unrest in Bayelsa State at the time, which he traced directly to the plight of the former governor. According to Bakare, Alamieyeseigha had informed him that the late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua encouraged him to accept a plea bargain with a promise of eventual pardon.
In his appeal to Jonathan, Bakare emphasized the personal and political relationship between the two, stating, "I told him that this man is like your father; he brought you into politics as deputy governor. He is in this situation, and this was the understanding with President Yar'Adua. Will you pardon him?" Jonathan reportedly responded that he could not act immediately but promised to do so after the election.
Fulfillment of the Promise and Public Backlash
Bakare confirmed that Jonathan fulfilled this promise after winning the election, though the decision sparked widespread public criticism. "When he granted the pardon, there was widespread outrage, but I chose not to comment at the time," Bakare said, reflecting on the controversy that ensued. This intervention highlights Bakare's influence in high-level political decisions during a turbulent period in Nigerian politics.
Broader Influence on Public Policy
Beyond this case, Bakare also spoke about his role in shaping other public policy decisions. He cited an instance where he persuaded former Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, to alter a road expansion plan in Abeokuta to preserve the burial site of Sodeke, a historical figure. This example underscores Bakare's ongoing engagement in governance and reform efforts across Nigeria.
The dialogue series served as a platform for Bakare to share insights into the challenges and complexities of leadership, reinforcing his reputation as a key figure in Nigerian religious and political spheres.
