Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has addressed the growing insecurity and rising cases of kidnapping across Nigeria.
His comments followed RCCG’s dismissal of claims suggesting that the cleric has been silent on national issues. The church clarified that Adeboye has consistently spoken on topics such as insecurity, corruption, economic hardship, elections, and governance.
In a recent message shared on his social media platforms, Adeboye explained the limitations of his influence in national decision-making.
“You can only advise the commander in chief. You can’t command him. Because if you command the commander in chief, then you become the commander of the commander in chief. That doesn’t make sense. But I’ve tried. And God is my witness,” he said.
He urged the government to take stronger action against insecurity, proposing that security chiefs should be given a clear deadline to deliver results.
“Move fast. Get rid of these terrorists within 90 days or resign,” he said.
Adeboye also referenced a past instance where a former president issued a similar directive to service chiefs, though it was not fully carried out.
Recounting the incident, he noted that he later visited the late president after the deadline elapsed without tangible results.
“When three months passed and the work wasn’t done, why didn’t you proceed with your threat? I won’t tell you the details, but one thing came out of that meeting which leads me to my next advice,” he said.
He further emphasized that any renewed directive should not only target armed groups but also those supporting them.
“When giving orders to the service chiefs this time around, we should make it clear to them that they are not only to eliminate the terrorists, they should eliminate their sponsors — no matter how influential they may be,” Adeboye stated.
Speaking to his congregation, he concluded by urging swift government action, saying: “I’m talking to you as my children. If I were asked to make suggestions, I would say quietly to our government, move fast.”