‘You Don’t Expect Tinubu to Wear Khaki and Fight Terrorists’ – Pastor Adeboye Speaks on Worsening Insecurity in Nigeria

• Pastor Enoch Adeboye has defended President Bola Tinubu over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, saying the commander-in-chief cannot be expected to ‘wear khaki and fight terrorists’ after issuing directives to security agencies.

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has defended President Bola Tinubu against criticism over the worsening insecurity in Nigeria, insisting that the president cannot be expected to personally lead military operations against terrorists.

Speaking at the U.S.-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organised by the Save Nigeria Group in Washington, D.C., Adeboye said Tinubu had fulfilled his constitutional responsibility by giving directives to the nation’s security agencies.

“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,” the cleric said.

Drawing a comparison with the United States, Adeboye cited President Donald Trump as an example of a leader who gives military orders without personally participating in combat operations.

Despite his defence of Tinubu, the respected cleric admitted that Nigeria’s security situation had deteriorated significantly, revealing that terrorism and kidnapping, once concentrated in the North, had now spread to parts of Southern Nigeria.

“Things have gone far, far worse. The terrorism and kidnapping that were in the north are now even at my doorstep,” he said.

Adeboye also disclosed that he had personally discussed the security crisis with President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, urging the president to issue a 90-day ultimatum to military commanders to eliminate terrorism or resign.

“I told him to tell all the military people: ‘You have 90 days. Wipe out this rubbish or resign,’” he said.

The cleric further argued that the real problem lies with the influential individuals allegedly funding and sponsoring terrorist activities.

“Some of them are businessmen. Some of them are politicians. Go after them. If you don’t deal with those supplying these people with arms and ammunition, the problem will continue,” he added.

Adeboye also called on the United States and the international community to strengthen cooperation with Nigeria in tackling terrorism and insecurity.