Calls for swift, strategic response to security challenges and terrorist sponsors
By Lagos Panorama
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act swiftly, wisely, and diplomatically in addressing growing concerns over alleged persecution of Christians and the worsening security situation in Nigeria.
Speaking during the November Holy Ghost Service at the Redemption City Camp Ground, Mowe, Ogun State, Pastor Adeboye emphasized that the government must adopt a balanced and strategic approach to tackling the nation’s complex security challenges.
“If I am asked to make suggestions, I will say quietly to the government: move wisely, move diplomatically,” he said. “There were times in Nigeria when Christians and Muslims lived together peacefully. I have Muslim relatives, and when I was younger, we ate together. But trouble started when politics entered religion.”
The revered cleric disclosed that he had privately counseled previous presidents on matters of national security and religious harmony, though such efforts were limited since only the Commander-in-Chief has the authority to act decisively.
“All the presidents who were around when this trouble started — whatever I discussed with them remains private. I have done my best behind the scenes. But as I have always said, you can only advise a Commander-in-Chief; you cannot command him. God is my witness that I have tried,” he stated.
Outlining what he would advise the present administration, Adeboye urged the government to engage both internationally and domestically with urgency.
“If I was asked to make suggestions again, I would say quietly to our government: move fast, move diplomatically, move wisely. Find a way to convince the President of America to delay any actions for about 100 days, then come home and tell our security chiefs to get rid of these terrorists within 90 days — or resign,” he proposed.
Recalling a similar directive issued under former President Muhammadu Buhari, Adeboye lamented that the order was not effectively implemented.
“There was a President, Buhari, who gave such an order to the service chiefs — to get rid of Boko Haram or resign. But he did not follow through. I even went to see him and asked why he did not carry out his threat,” Adeboye recounted.
The RCCG leader further advised that any new directive from President Tinubu should include a mandate to dismantle not only the insurgents but also their sponsors and financiers.
“When giving orders this time around, the President should ensure the service chiefs understand that they must eliminate both the terrorists and their sponsors, no matter how influential they are,” he said.
Pastor Adeboye also urged caution in Nigeria’s diplomatic dealings with global powers, warning that no foreign nation would come to the country’s defense if a major conflict were to erupt.
“When I say our leaders should move diplomatically, we must understand that if America attacks us, China will not defend us; neither will Russia or Britain. The so-called world powers may condemn such action, but they will not come to our rescue,” he warned.
Adeboye’s remarks come amid rising national and international concern over escalating violence and religiously motivated attacks in parts of the country.
