Adeboye Defends Tinubu Over Insecurity, Says President Has Done His Part

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 security situation, insisting that the Commander-in-Chief has fulfilled his constitutional role by directing the nation’s security agencies.

Adeboye made the remarks during the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organised by the Save Nigeria Group in Washington, D.C., on June 23.

Addressing concerns over the country’s insecurity, the cleric dismissed claims that Tinubu had failed to act, arguing that a president cannot be expected to personally participate in military operations.

“I don’t support those accusing the president of not doing enough. Once the Commander-in-Chief has issued directives to the military and other security agencies, he has done his part. You don’t expect him to wear khaki and go to the battlefield himself,” Adeboye said.

Drawing a comparison with former United States President Donald Trump, Adeboye noted that national leaders typically delegate military operations after issuing orders.

“When my friend Trump gives instructions to bomb a place, he doesn’t leave the White House. He gives the order, and the military carries it out,” he added.

Despite defending the President, Adeboye acknowledged that Nigeria’s security crisis has deteriorated, lamenting that terrorism and kidnapping have spread from the North to the South, reaching areas close to his own residence.

He also expressed concern that those financing terrorism remain at large despite being widely known.

“The situation has become much worse. Terrorism and kidnapping have moved closer to my doorstep. The sponsors are known, yet they continue to move about freely,” he said.

The RCCG leader disclosed that he had personally discussed the country’s security challenges with President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, who is also a pastor in the church.

According to Adeboye, he advised the President to issue a firm directive to military commanders, giving them a 90-day ultimatum to eliminate terrorist threats or resign from their positions.

“I suggested that the President should tell the military leadership: ‘Wipe out this menace within 90 days or resign.’ At the same time, the government must go after those sponsoring terrorism,” he said.

Adeboye described the financiers of terrorism as influential individuals, including businessmen and politicians, stressing that dismantling their support networks is key to ending insurgency.

“If those supplying arms, ammunition and logistics to these terrorists are not dealt with, the problem will continue,” he warned.

The cleric also appealed to the United States and other members of the international community to strengthen cooperation with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.