The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has faulted a section of President Bola Tinubu’s October 1 Independence Day speech, saying whoever wrote the portion on security “does not like him.”
Speaking during the November Holy Ghost Service at the Redemption City Campground, Adeboye said he was troubled by the part of the President’s address that suggested displaced persons had returned to their homes. “I almost spoke last month when I heard the speech of my in-law (Tinubu), particularly that section that spoke about security,” he said. “He said 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. There are people around him who are not telling him the truth. The following day, we read that a traditional ruler was killed in Kwara or Kogi.”
Adeboye noted that while the President inherited the nation’s security challenges, what matters now is taking decisive action to solve them. “Our President inherited this problem. I am an applied mathematician; I am only interested in getting the problem solved,” he said.
The cleric advised the Federal Government to address insecurity “wisely, diplomatically, and decisively,” urging national unity beyond religious divisions. He recalled that Christians and Muslims once lived peacefully together until politics sowed division.
Adeboye revealed that he had privately advised past presidents on security matters but said his role was limited to offering counsel. “You can only advise a Commander-in-Chief; you cannot command him. But I have tried. God is my witness,” he said.
He called on President Tinubu to give the nation’s service chiefs a clear ultimatum to end terrorism or resign, recalling that former President Muhammadu Buhari once issued a similar directive but failed to follow through. “This time, the President should make it clear that the service chiefs must not only eliminate the terrorists but also go after their sponsors, no matter how influential they may be,” he added.
Adeboye also warned Nigeria to tread carefully in its international relations, saying no foreign power would defend the country in a crisis. “If America attacks us, China is not coming to defend us. Likewise, Russia and Britain. They will talk and condemn but not help,” he cautioned.
He urged the government to act swiftly and wisely to protect lives, stressing that this was not the time for political rhetoric. “This is not the time for grammar or argument. Innocent people are dying,” he said.
Concluding on a note of hope, Adeboye assured Nigerians that peace would eventually return to the country. “One way or the other, there will be peace again in Nigeria,” he said.
