The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has criticised a section of President Bola Tinubu’s October 1 Independence Day speech on security, stating that whoever wrote the speech for the president “does not like him.”
Speaking during the November Holy Ghost Service at the Redemption City Campground, Adeboye said he almost spoke out in October after hearing the president’s statement on national security.
“I almost spoke last month when I heard the speech of my in-law, Tinubu, particularly that section that spoke about security. I heard him saying all is well now, that displaced people have returned to their villages. I almost said the one who wrote that speech does not like him. Somebody wrote it, but it was the president who read it. There are several people around Tinubu who are not telling him the truth. The following day, we read that a traditional ruler was killed in Kwara or Kogi,” Adeboye said.
The cleric acknowledged that President Tinubu inherited the nation’s security challenges but stressed the need for decisive action to resolve them.
“Our president inherited this problem. I am an applied mathematician. I am only interested in getting the problem solved,” he stated.
Adeboye urged the Federal Government to act wisely, diplomatically, and decisively in addressing insecurity and the alleged killings of Christians in some parts of the country.
“If I am asked to make suggestions, I will say quietly to the government to move wisely and diplomatically. There were times in Nigeria when Christians and Muslims lived together peacefully. I have Muslim relatives till today. When I was little, I ate with them, but the issue of religion started when politics came into it,” he said.
The RCCG leader revealed that he had privately advised past presidents on security matters but emphasized that his role was limited to offering counsel.
“All the presidents who were around when this trouble started, whatever I discussed with them is 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,” he explained.
Adeboye also called on President Tinubu to hold the service chiefs accountable and ensure tangible progress in the fight against terrorism.
“What should we do now? If I were asked to make suggestions, I would say quietly to our government: move fast, move diplomatically, move wisely. Find a way to convince the President of America to please delay his actions for about 100 days, and then come home and tell our security chiefs to get rid of these terrorists within 90 days or resign,” he said.
He recalled a similar directive issued by former President Muhammadu Buhari, which was never enforced.
“There was a president, Buhari, who issued such an order. He called the service chiefs together and said, ‘Get rid of these Boko Haram people or resign.’ He did not follow through because, although he gave the order as Commander, he did not ensure it was carried out,” Adeboye recounted.
He further urged the government to dismantle the financial networks supporting terrorism.
“When giving orders to the service chiefs this time around, he should make it clear that they are not only to eliminate the terrorists but also their sponsors, no matter how influential they may be,” he advised.
Adeboye warned that Nigeria should tread carefully in its international dealings, noting that no foreign power would defend the country in a time of crisis.
“If America should attack us, China is not coming to defend us. Likewise, Russia and Britain. They will talk and condemn what America has done, but they won’t help us,” he cautioned.
He concluded by urging practical action over political debates, calling for unity and prayer.
“This is not the time for grammar or arguments. Innocent people are dying. Let the government act decisively and bring peace to Nigeria. One way or the other, there will be peace again in this nation,” Adeboye said.
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