The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has defended President Bola Tinubu against criticisms over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, saying the President should not be held solely responsible for the country’s security challenges.
Speaking at the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organised by the Save Nigeria Group in Washington, Adeboye argued that the President had fulfilled his constitutional role by issuing directives to the nation’s security agencies, stressing that the responsibility for executing military operations rests with the armed forces.
“I don’t support those who are accusing the president of not doing enough. When the commander-in-chief has given instructions to his subordinates, he has done his bit. You don’t expect him to go and put on khaki and fight,” Adeboye said.
To illustrate his point, the cleric cited the example of US President Donald Trump, saying world leaders typically issue military directives while professional security personnel carry out the operations.
“When my friend Trump gives instructions to go and bomb anywhere, he doesn’t leave the White House. He has done his bit. ‘I hereby command, bomb Iran,’ and then he goes to his bedroom and sleeps. The rest is left to the supporters,” he added.
Despite defending Tinubu, Adeboye acknowledged that insecurity has worsened, noting that terrorism and kidnapping, once largely concentrated in northern Nigeria, have spread to parts of the South.
He lamented that many Nigerians have become increasingly frustrated as those allegedly sponsoring terrorist activities continue to evade justice.
“Things have gone far, far worse… The terrorism, kidnapping and so on that were in the north are now even at my doorstep. They have come all the way down to the south. And, of course, the sponsors—they are all known, and they are still moving about freely,” he said.
Adeboye disclosed that he had privately discussed the country’s security situation with President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, during which he advised the President to issue a firm ultimatum to the nation’s security chiefs.
According to him, he recommended that the heads of the Army, Navy and Air Force be given 90 days to end terrorism or resign from office.
“I told him to instruct the service chiefs that they have 90 days to end this menace or resign. At the same time, those sponsoring these criminals must also be pursued,” he said.
The cleric maintained that defeating terrorism would require dismantling the financial and logistical networks sustaining criminal groups, alleging that some of those backing the violence are influential individuals, including politicians and business figures.
“If those supplying arms, ammunition and financial support are left untouched, the insecurity will persist,” he warned.
Adeboye also called for greater international collaboration, urging the United States and other allied countries to support Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism and restore lasting peace.
