Pastor Adeboye Defends Tinubu Over Insecurity, Calls for Tougher Action Against Terror Sponsors

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Enoch Adeboye, has defended President Bola Tinubu against criticism over Nigeria’s security challenges, saying the president has fulfilled his role as commander-in-chief by issuing directives to the military.

Speaking at the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organised by the Save Nigeria Group in Washington, D.C., on June 23, Adeboye said critics should not expect the president to personally lead 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.

Adeboye compared Tinubu’s role to that of Donald Trump, stating that leaders issue military directives rather than participate directly in combat.

The cleric acknowledged that insecurity has worsened, with terrorism and kidnapping spreading beyond northern Nigeria into the south. He also revealed that he discussed the situation with President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.

According to Adeboye, he advised the president to give military chiefs a 90-day ultimatum to eliminate terrorism or resign and urged authorities to target those financing terrorist activities.

He added that tackling the sponsors of terrorism, whom he described as influential individuals, is essential to ending the violence and called on the United States to support Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.