The Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has clarified that his recent comments referencing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and a plane crash were not intended to ridicule victims of the 2006 ADC Airline tragedy.
The fiery cleric said his statement was taken out of context, stressing that his remark was merely metaphorical and aimed at describing instability within some political parties, not at making light of the tragic incident.
Bakare, who recently disclosed that he had come under pressure to join the ADC, told reporters on Sunday that his refusal to align with the party was purely political and had no link to the ill-fated flight.
“I am not going to take part in ADC. The last time I knew about ADC was about a plane that crashed. I wish them well, because we need a robust opposition,” he had said earlier.
However, clarifying the comment during a press briefing, Bakare stated:
“My comments did not in any way bring into the spotlight the victims of the October 29, 2006 ADC Airline crash. I pray that all those with lingering pain from that event will find complete healing and comfort.”
He explained that his words were meant to symbolise political turbulence, not to trivialise the loss of lives in the tragic crash that claimed 98 people, including the then Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido.
The October 29, 2006 ADC Airline Flight 53 crash occurred in Abuja shortly after takeoff, killing several prominent Nigerians and leaving deep scars in the nation’s aviation history.
Bakare reaffirmed his respect for the victims and their families, urging the public to interpret his comments within the context of Nigeria’s political discourse rather than as a slight to the memory of the deceased.
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