The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has defended President Bola Tinubu against criticism over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, saying the president has already fulfilled his responsibility as commander-in-chief by issuing directives to the armed forces.
Speaking at the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organised by the Save Nigeria Group in Washington, Adeboye argued that it was unfair to blame Tinubu for the country’s security challenges.
“I need to make this one clear: 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.
Drawing a comparison with the United States, the cleric said President Donald Trump also issues military orders without personally taking part in combat operations.
“When my friend Trump gives instructions to go and bomb anywhere, he doesn’t leave the White House. He has done his bit. The rest is left to the supporters,” he added.
Despite defending Tinubu, Adeboye admitted that insecurity has worsened, noting that terrorism and kidnapping have spread beyond northern Nigeria into parts of the South.
“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,” he said.
The respected cleric revealed that he had personally discussed the country’s security situation with President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, urging the president to give military chiefs a 90-day ultimatum to eliminate terrorism or resign.
“I told him to tell all the military boys, all the army, navy and air force: ‘You have 90 days. Wipe out this rubbish or resign.’ And then take care of the supporters, the sponsors,” Adeboye said.
He also called for a crackdown on those financing terrorism, describing them as influential politicians and businesspeople who continue to provide support for criminal groups.
According to Adeboye, Nigeria must go after the sponsors of terrorism if it hopes to end the violence, while also calling on the United States and other countries to support the nation’s fight against insecurity.
