The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has defended President Bola Tinubu against criticism over the rising insecurity in Nigeria.
Speaking at the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organised by the Save Nigeria Group in Washington, Adeboye said the president had already played his part as Commander-in-Chief by giving directives to security agencies.
The cleric argued that Nigerians should not expect the president to personally join military operations, stressing that the responsibility of carrying out orders belongs to the security agencies.
“I don’t support those 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.
Adeboye also compared presidential leadership in security matters to the way other world leaders operate, referencing United States President Donald Trump. He said leaders give commands while military personnel execute them.
However, the RCCG leader admitted that insecurity in Nigeria has become worse, noting that terrorism, kidnapping and violent attacks have spread beyond the northern part of the country.
He said: “Things have gone far, far worse… so bad that they are asking: Where is your God? 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.”
Adeboye revealed that he had spoken privately with President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu about the security crisis.
He said he advised the president to give military leaders a strict deadline to end the situation or step aside.
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“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,’” he said.
The pastor also called for action against alleged sponsors of terrorism, saying that tackling those who provide funding, weapons and support to criminal groups is necessary to end the crisis.
According to him, some sponsors are businessmen and politicians who should be investigated and prosecuted.
Adeboye further urged for stronger international cooperation, calling on countries such as the United States to support Nigeria’s efforts in fighting terrorism and improving national security.
