Return to politics, Adebanjo, El-Rufai, others beg Bakare

Some prominent Nigerians including Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Malam Nasir El-Rufai on Friday urged renowned cleric, Pastor Tunde Bakare, to return to active politics.

Bakare had bowed out of active politics after his election bid as a running mate to the Presidential Candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), in 2011.

Speaking at the launch of Bakare's biography in Lagos,  Adebanjo, also a lawyer, said that Bakare would be doing disservice to Nigeria if he refused to go back to politics.

"Bakare has been wonderful on pulpit, and will be excellent as a leader.

``Bakare made a point when he joined Buhari for the presidential race in 2011, and they were my choice,’’ he said.

The elder statesman said that Bakare pursued the issues of Nigeria with much passion, and should not be a bystander.

"Being part of a political decision is very important. We appreciated Bakare so much at the National Conference for his wonderful contributions.

"Bakare's foray into politics is not for personal aggrandisement. Bakare practises what he preaches.

``There   is no scandal about him. That is the type of man we want in Nigeria," Adebanjo said.

Also speaking, El-Rufai, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, described Bakare as a true leader.

He said that Bakare was instrumental to his (El-Rufai's) foray into politics, and should not back out now.

"I met Bakare about five years ago but it is as if I have known him all my life.

"We have struggled together but, more importantly for me, he has been an inspirational leader," El-Rufai said.

 Gov. Mimiko of Ondo said: ``Bakare is an epitome of a true leader. I see him becoming president in Nigeria someday."

Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos, represented by his deputy, Mrs Adejoke Orelope–Adefulire, reiterated that leaders must rule or lead by example.

"We must always do things with the fear of God.

"Bakare led and is still living a truly remarkable life," he said.

The book, "Moment of Truth’’, is a life story of Bakare.

It was written by a journalist, Mr Victorson Agnenson.

In his remarks, the Biographer (Agnenson), said that Bakare did not tell him to write the book.

"I never met Pastor Bakare one-on-one before the book.

``I wrote it on my own, and when he saw the manuscript,  he adopted it.

"The book is not just about Bakare but about Nigeria and about moving the country forward, and the challenges we have been facing as a country,’’ he said.

Responding, Bakare said that he would ensure that Nigeria would fulfill its destiny.

"It is part of my destiny; so, I  cannot shake off Nigeria from me," he said.

Chief Segun Osoba, a former Governor of Ogun;  Mr Fola Adeola, Chief Femi Okurunmu, Dr Amos Akingba, Mr Yinka Odumakin and Dr Ayo Olude, were among the dignitaries at the event.