Bakare Clarifies Comments, Says Remarks Not to Mock 2006 ADC Crash Victims

The Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC), Pastor Tunde Bakare, has clarified that his recent remarks were not intended to mock the victims of the tragic ADC Airlines crash of October 29, 2006.

Bakare, who spoke during a Sunday service in Lagos, said his comments were taken out of context, stressing that he holds deep sympathy for the families of those who lost their lives in the crash.

The fiery cleric explained that while some leaders of the now-defunct airline had approached him years ago to join their fold, his reference to the incident was made purely in the context of drawing lessons from Nigeria’s political and historical experiences not to deride the dead.

“I was courted by leaders of the ADC to join them at a time,” Bakare said. “However, my remarks were not meant to mock or trivialize the tragedy of the crash victims. My heart goes out to their families even to this day.”

Bakare reiterated his lifelong commitment to nation-building and moral leadership, calling on the current generation of leaders to embrace humility and learn from history.

“Our leaders must recognize the transience of power,” he said. “History teaches us that no position lasts forever, and those who wield authority today must use it for the greater good of the people.”

The October 29, 2006 ADC Airlines crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Abuja en route to Sokoto, claimed 96 lives, including prominent Nigerians such as Sultan Maccido of Sokoto, his son, and several other dignitaries.

Bakare’s clarification comes amid reactions to a viral clip of his recent sermon, in which some interpreted his comments as insensitive to the victims of the 2006 disaster.

He urged Nigerians to focus on the lessons of accountability and leadership renewal rather than misinterpreting his intentions.