Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Serving Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church, has clarified his recent comment regarding the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the 2006 ADC plane crash. At a news conference in Lagos, Mr. Bakare stated that he was misquoted, and his reference to the plane crash was a metaphor, not intended to mock the ADC party or the victims of the crash.

The controversy began when Mr. Bakare, also the Founder and Board Chairman of the Citadel School of Government, made remarks at a news conference on October 4, indicating that he was being approached by some ADC members to join their party. He also made a reference to the ADC flight, which some commentators linked to the 2006 plane crash.

Mr. Bakare explained that his use of the ADC airline allusion was meant to convey that power is transient and that leaders must serve the people. He noted that public commentators had deliberately linked his comment to the plane crash, which he described as a metaphor. He drew a comparison to the use of the Titanic as a metaphor to warn of pending danger.

The pastor emphasized that the Citadel School of Government is non-partisan and open to all Nigerians who wish to make a positive impact on the country. He reiterated that the school has no affiliation with any political party and is committed to facilitating the emergence of a new Nigeria that works for every citizen.

Mr. Bakare’s clarification comes amid concerns that his comment may have been misconstrued as insensitive or partisan. He reaffirmed his commitment to nation-building and his goal of creating a peaceful, progressive, and prosperous Nigeria. The controversy surrounding his comment has sparked a wider discussion about the use of metaphors in public discourse and the importance of clarity in communication.

The incident has also highlighted the need for accuracy and context in reporting, as well as the potential for misinterpretation of public statements. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the ADC party and other stakeholders will respond to Mr. Bakare’s clarification.