By The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has come to the defence of President Bola Tinubu amid growing criticism over the country’s security challenges.
Adeboye stated that the president should not be blamed for insecurity when he has already issued directives to the nation’s security agencies, stressing that the responsibility of carrying out military operations lies with those assigned to execute such orders.
Speaking at the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organised by the Save Nigeria Group in Washington, the cleric argued that the role of a commander-in-chief is to provide direction rather than personally participate in combat operations.
”I need to make this one clear, I don’t support those accusing the president of not doing enough, when the commander-in-chief had given instructions to the subordinate he has done his bit, you don’t expect him to go and put on khaki” he said.
According to him, expecting the president to take part in frontline battles negates the duties attached to the office. Adeboye compared the situation to how world leaders give military orders without physically joining troops in operations, noting that implementation remains the duty of the armed forces.
”When my friend Trump gives instructions to go and bomb anywhere, he doesn’t leave white house.” he stated.
Despite defending Tinubu, the RCCG leader acknowledged the worsening security situation in parts of the country, revealing that the spread of terrorism and kidnapping has become a concern even in areas previously considered safer.
”So worst that they are asking were is your God, that is how bad it is,” he said.
He said insecurity that was once largely associated with the northern part of Nigeria has extended into the southern region, adding that the issue of terrorism requires urgent attention.
”The terrorism, kidnapping etc that was in the north is now even at my door step.” the clergyman added.
Adeboye also disclosed that he had discussions with President Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, over the security crisis.
He said he advised the president to give military commanders a clear deadline to address the situation or step aside, while also calling for action against individuals allegedly supporting criminal activities.
”There are certain people in my country, only God can deal with them,” he said.
The cleric maintained that tackling terrorism requires more than confronting armed groups, insisting that those who provide funding, weapons and other forms of support must also be investigated and brought to justice.
He further appealed for international cooperation, urging the United States and other countries to support Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.
Adeboye acknowledged that Christians are not the only victims of attacks in northern Nigeria, stressing that none of the killings can be linked to any Christian group.
”Not Christians alone are suffering from the terrorist. Nobody has told you that, in all the attacks not one can be traced to a Christian,” he said.
He urged Trump to intervene quickly to prevent further casualties. He added that the United States’ intervention does not necessarily have to involve the use of force against terrorists, noting that Christians and Muslims can coexist peacefully.
”All we are asking for is that Christian and Muslim can live together in peace,” he said.
