The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has defended President Bola Tinubu against claims that he is not doing enough to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges.
Speaking during the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala in Washington, D.C., Adeboye argued that the President’s responsibility as Commander-in-Chief is to issue directives to the nation’s security agencies, not to personally participate in military operations.
According to the cleric, criticism suggesting that President Tinubu should personally confront armed criminals misunderstands the role of a national leader. He explained that once the Commander-in-Chief gives operational orders to the military and other security agencies, the responsibility for execution rests with those institutions.
Drawing a comparison with global leadership, Adeboye referenced U.S. President Donald Trump, noting that presidents typically direct military operations from their offices rather than joining troops on the battlefield.
Despite defending the President’s constitutional role, Adeboye acknowledged that Nigeria’s security situation has deteriorated significantly. He expressed concern that terrorism, kidnapping and violent attacks, once concentrated in parts of northern Nigeria, have spread to southern regions.
The RCCG leader revealed that he had personally discussed the country’s security situation with President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu. During the conversation, he recommended that the President issue a 90-day deadline to the nation’s military chiefs to significantly reduce terrorist activities or step aside.
Adeboye also stressed the need to identify and prosecute those financing terrorist groups. According to him, many of the sponsors are influential individuals, including politicians and business figures, who continue to operate freely despite widespread allegations.
He maintained that dismantling the financial networks supporting criminal groups would be a major step toward restoring peace and improving security across the country.
The comments have generated mixed reactions, with some agreeing that the President’s role is to provide strategic leadership, while others insist that the government should be judged by the effectiveness of its security policies and the results achieved on the ground.
