Adeboye faults Tinubu’s Independence Day speech, urges decisive action on insecurity

Adeboye faults Tinubu’s Independence Day speech, urges decisive action on insecurity

By Ade Ade

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has faulted a portion of President Bola Tinubu’s October 1 Independence Day speech on security, alleging that the individual responsible for drafting the address “does not like him.”

Speaking during the November Holy Ghost Service at the Redemption City Campground, Adeboye said he was troubled by claims in the speech suggesting that displaced Nigerians had returned to their communities.

“I almost spoke last month when I heard the speech of my in-law, particularly that section that spoke about security,” the cleric said. “I almost said the one who wrote that speech does not like him.”

Adeboye expressed concern that several presidential aides were withholding critical information from the President. “There are several people around Tinubu who are not telling him the truth,” he added, citing the killing of a traditional ruler a day after the speech.

He noted that although President Tinubu inherited the country’s security challenges, urgent and practical steps were now required to address them. “I am an applied mathematician; I am only interested in getting the problem solved,” he said.

The cleric urged the Federal Government to act wisely and diplomatically in tackling insecurity and the alleged killings of Christians in parts of the country. He recalled a time when religious harmony prevailed and lamented the politicisation of faith.

“There were times in Nigeria when Christians and Muslims were living together,” he said. “When I was little, I ate food with them, but the issue of religion started when politics entered.”

Adeboye said he had privately advised past presidents on the matter, insisting his role was limited to counsel. “You can only advise a Commander-in-Chief; you cannot command him,” he stressed.

He advised President Tinubu to issue firm directives to the service chiefs, demanding results within a specified timeframe. According to him, terrorism must be confronted with urgency.

The respected preacher recalled that former President Muhammadu Buhari once issued a similar ultimatum but failed to enforce consequences when the deadline expired. “He gave the order, but he did not follow through,” Adeboye said.

He further argued that the fight against terrorism must involve targeting financiers of violent groups, regardless of their influence or connections. “Eliminate the sponsors, no matter how influential they may be,” he urged.

Adeboye warned Nigeria to tread cautiously on the international scene, stating that global powers would not provide military protection if the country came under attack. “They will talk and condemn, but they won’t help us,” he cautioned.

According to him, this is not a time for political debates but for decisive action to stop the loss of innocent lives. He dismissed narratives pitting religious groups against each other, pointing out that both Christians and Muslims have been victims.

He also urged the government to use diplomatic channels to buy time and strengthen internal security, suggesting a 100-day grace window to compel service chiefs to perform or resign.

Despite his concerns, Adeboye expressed optimism that peace would eventually return to Nigeria. He revealed that God had assured him the current season would be remarkable and encouraged citizens not to fear, predicting that “one way or the other, there will be peace again in Nigeria.”