The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, on Friday night openly questioned whether President Bola Ahmed Tinubu actually reads the speeches handed to him before public delivery, warning that some people around the President may be feeding him false information about the true state of the nation’s security.
Speaking during the November Holy Ghost Service at the Redemption Camp along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, Adeboye said he was alarmed by a section of President Tinubu’s recent speech which claimed that internally displaced persons had returned to their communities.
“I almost spoke last month when I heard the speech of my in-law, the President, particularly that section that spoke about security — where he said that all those who were displaced have returned to their villages,” Adeboye said.
“I almost said that the one who wrote that speech for my President, my in-law, does not like him. And if you say, ‘But he read it, didn’t he read it before reading it publicly?’ well, if you put it that way, then my conclusion will be that there are several people around my beloved in-law who are not telling him the truth.”
The congregation erupted in murmurs as the revered cleric questioned the credibility of information reaching the President, warning that reality on the ground contradicts such rosy claims.
“Just the following day after that speech, we read in the newspapers about a traditional ruler being killed, while his wife was hiding in the house,” he lamented.
Adeboye, who is also widely respected for his cautious but impactful interventions on national issues, urged President Tinubu to take decisive and urgent action on the country’s worsening security situation.
He advised the government to “move fast, move diplomatically, and move wisely,” and to convince the United States to delay any potential actions that could further destabilize the nation, while giving Nigeria’s security chiefs a 90-day ultimatum to end terrorism or resign.
“Let the government use diplomatic methods to convince the President of America to give us 100 days of grace. Call our service chiefs — fortunately, they are new. Let them perform within three months or resign,” Adeboye charged.
Drawing parallels with the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, Adeboye recalled advising Buhari to enforce his own three-month ultimatum against insurgents, a directive he said was not followed through.
He further urged that this time, the order to the security chiefs should include tracking down and eliminating sponsors of terrorism, no matter how influential they may be.
The cleric warned that Nigeria must not rely on external powers for defense, as none would come to its aid if attacked.
“If America should attack us, China is not coming to defend us. Russia will not come to defend us. All they will do is issue strong condemnations,” he said.
Adeboye stressed that it was not a time for grammar or semantics but for urgent action, as innocent citizens were dying daily.
“Our President inherited this problem, but Nigerians just want it solved,” he added.
The respected preacher, who said God had revealed that this would be “a remarkable year” for Nigeria, reassured his audience that despite current fears, peace would eventually return.
“Whatever method God wants to use, at the end of it all, there will be peace in Nigeria again. And to you, my children, Daddy says: fear you not.”
