Adeboye to Tinubu: Your Speechwriter Misled You on Security, Act Fast Against Terrorism

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has faulted a section of President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day address on national security, saying whoever drafted that part of the speech “does not wish him well.”

Speaking during the November Holy Ghost Service at the Redemption City, Adeboye expressed surprise at the President’s claim that internally displaced persons had returned to their homes, noting that the statement did not reflect the true state of security across the country.

“I almost spoke last month when I heard my in-law’s (Tinubu) October 1 speech, particularly that section on security,” he said. “He said displaced people have returned to their villages. I almost said the one who wrote that speech does not like him. Somebody wrote it, but it was the President who read it. There are people around him who are not telling him the truth. The next day, we heard of a traditional ruler killed in Kwara or Kogi.”

The cleric acknowledged that President Tinubu inherited the nation’s security crisis but urged him to focus on concrete solutions rather than rhetoric.

“Our President met this problem on the ground. I’m an applied mathematician; I’m not interested in who caused it. I only want the problem solved,” he said.

Adeboye, who has privately advised successive Nigerian leaders on national issues, said his role remains to offer counsel, not command.

“All the Presidents who were around when this trouble started — I’ve spoken to them privately. You can only advise a Commander-in-Chief; you can’t command him,” he said. “But God knows I’ve done my best behind the scenes.”

The respected preacher urged President Tinubu to take decisive steps by holding service chiefs accountable for results.

“If I were to advise again, I’d tell the government to act fast, act wisely, and act diplomatically,” he said. “Call the service chiefs and tell them to end terrorism in 90 days or resign. Former President Buhari once gave such an order but didn’t follow through.”

Adeboye also stressed the need to dismantle the networks financing terrorism, saying the fight must go beyond the battlefield.

“When giving orders to the service chiefs, the President should tell them not only to eliminate terrorists but also their sponsors, no matter how powerful they are,” he said.

The RCCG leader cautioned Nigeria to tread carefully in its foreign relations, particularly amid global tensions involving the United States and other powers.

“When I say our leaders should move diplomatically, I mean it. If America should attack us, China won’t defend us. Neither will Russia or Britain. They will only issue statements; none will fight for us,” he warned.

Adeboye said this was not the time for political grammar but for practical action to protect lives and restore peace.

“This is not the time to argue whether it’s kidnapping or suicide attacks. Innocent people are dying daily. The government should act — and act now,” he added.

He called for diplomatic efforts to secure time for the government to strengthen its internal response.

“Let the government convince Trump to give us a 100-day grace. Within that period, our service chiefs must either secure the nation or resign,” he said.

Concluding, Adeboye assured Nigerians that despite the turbulence, peace would return to the country.

“God told me this year would be remarkable, and though the wind is strong, there will be peace again in Nigeria,” he said.