From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has mocked the probe panel set up by the Federal Government to investigate corruption, describing it as a ruse.
Bakare gave his opinion at the Purposeful Men’s Symposium in Abuja, held in honour of Pastor Chinedu Ezekwesili’s 70th birthday, recently.
The cleric pointed out that the pervasive struggles in families, communities, organizations, and nations reflect a profound internal dissonance.
He emphasized the indispensable values of character, competence, and capacity, which are foundational for societal progress.
“There are many theories about how to end corruption in Nigeria. EFCC can do it, ICPC cannot fix it. The antidote to corruption is only one thing: the manifestation of the sons of God under righteous authority. Setting up committees to investigate corruption by corrupt individuals who cannot execute it is a waste of time.
“To heal this world, we must begin with man himself. The prevalent family strife, community unrest, and national crises signal a disconnect—somewhere, the archetype of a ‘real man’ is absent,” he said.
Pastor Chinedu Ezekwesili shared poignant personal stories, emphasising the importance of individual accountability and divine grace.
In conversation with media personality Chude Jideonwo, Ezekwesili reflected on miraculous survival against the odds, emphasising the role of faith and tenacity.
He underscored the guiding divine hand through his challenges, stressing the significance of faith and resilience.
Ezekwesili’s life story, richly woven with familial and cultural strands, demonstrated the transformative impact of living with purpose.
He said: “I was told by my dad that my mother’s womb was supposed to be my coffin. The person sitting here with you was not supposed to exist.
“I was not supposed to be here because some people had decided to end my life before I manifested. However, God made it impossible for them to kill me before I was born. How do I know this? My mother wasn’t there. But I would like to say that my father was there, just like my children
“Whenever my father left the house or when visitors arrived, I was beside him. This exposure granted me native wisdom and the knowledge of age-old proverbs.”
Reflecting on the Nigerian Civil War, Ezekwesili remarked: “To those unfamiliar with war, understand this:
War is not wrestling; war means death. So, for some young men who have no idea, the minute we want to go to war, you have no idea what war is. War is real, war is death.
“After the war, we returned to my village, not exactly a village, but still, it was like a village. It was the headquarters of a local government before the war. Unfortunately, it is bereft of water, no lights, no roads.
“My deepest prayer is for Nigeria to be spared from the scourge of war. May we be blessed with leaders who will steer us clear from conflict, for war brings nothing but suffering. The difference between the stench of a dead animal and that of a human corpse is a stark reminder of war’s true cost.
“Looking back at my life and all that I’ve weathered, I am filled with gratitude to God. I am alive today because of His mercy. Every morning, I am reminded of this gift when I rise from my bed.
“The simple act of touching the floor is a triumph; without that ability, one’s journey ceases. My continued existence is a testament to God’s grace, for which I am eternally thankful.”