Adeboye defends Tinubu on insecurity, urges crackdown on terror financiers

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has defended President Bola Tinubu against criticisms over the country’s worsening insecurity, saying the President has fulfilled his responsibility by directing the armed forces to tackle the challenge.

Adeboye spoke during the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organised by the Save Nigeria Group in Washington, D.C., where he argued that it was unrealistic to expect the Commander-in-Chief to personally participate in military operations.

“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,” he said.

Drawing a comparison with the United States, the cleric said American presidents issue military directives without personally leading combat operations.

Despite defending Tinubu, Adeboye expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation, lamenting that terrorism and kidnapping, once concentrated in northern Nigeria, have spread to the southern part of the country.

He said the security crisis has become so severe that it is now affecting communities close to him.

The cleric disclosed that he had discussed the issue with President Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, urging the President to issue a firm directive to the military leadership to eliminate terrorism within 90 days or resign from their positions.

According to him, security agencies must also go after those financing and supplying arms to terrorist groups, insisting that military operations alone would not end the insurgency.

“You know them. Some of them are businessmen. Some of them are politicians. Go after them. Because if you do not deal with those who are supplying these people with arms and ammunition, the problem will continue,” he said.

Adeboye described the sponsors of terrorism as influential and wealthy individuals who, he alleged, continue to operate freely despite their activities.

He also appealed to the United States and the international community to strengthen cooperation with Nigeria in combating terrorism and restoring peace across the country.