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 fulfilled his responsibility by directing the military to tackle the crisis.
Speaking at the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organised by the Save Nigeria Group in Washington, D.C., Adeboye argued that it is unrealistic to expect the Commander in Chief to personally participate in military operations.
“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,” he said.
The respected cleric compared Tinubu’s role to that of US President Donald Trump, noting that heads of state are expected to issue strategic directives while the armed forces execute military operations.
However, Adeboye acknowledged that Nigeria’s security situation has deteriorated significantly, lamenting that terrorism and kidnapping, once largely concentrated in the northern part of the country, have now spread to the South.
He revealed that he had personally discussed the issue with President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, urging the President to give military commanders a 90 day deadline to defeat terrorists or step aside.
The RCCG leader also called for stronger action against those financing terrorism, alleging that influential businessmen and politicians are among those enabling violent groups through financial support.
He further appealed to the United States and the international community to strengthen cooperation with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism, expressing hope that sustained collaboration would help restore peace and security across the country.