A Call for Urgent Action Against Terrorism
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has once again emphasized the need for immediate and decisive action against terrorism in Nigeria. His remarks come as a follow-up to advice he previously gave to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, now urging President Bola Tinubu to take swift measures with a 90-day deadline for the country’s service chiefs.
During the church’s November Holy Ghost Service, which was themed “The Eve of Glory,” Adeboye highlighted the escalating issue of insecurity across the nation. He stressed that the growing threat of terrorism requires urgent, strategic, and firm actions from the government.
“In my usual quiet way, I have related with all the presidents who were around when this trouble started. Whatever I discussed with them privately, I did my best behind the scenes. But you can only advise the Commander-in-Chief, you can’t command him,” Adeboye said.
He further urged President Tinubu to instruct the newly appointed service chiefs to eliminate terrorist groups within 90 days or face dismissal. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of targeting the sponsors of these groups, regardless of their influence or power.
“Move fast, move diplomatically, move wisely. Come home and tell our security chiefs to get rid of these terrorists within 90 days or resign,” the cleric said.
Adeboye also recalled his previous counsel to Buhari, who initially acted on it but failed to maintain the effort, leading to persistent insecurity in various parts of the country.
“There was a president, unfortunately, he’s dead now, Buhari, who issued such an order. He acted on it but didn’t continue. Three months passed and the work was not done,” he recalled.
Diplomatic Engagement with the United States
In addition to his call for domestic action, Adeboye also appealed to the Tinubu administration to engage in diplomatic discussions with the United States. He suggested seeking a 100-day grace period before any potential international action, particularly after recent threats from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding what he described as the “existential threat” to Christianity in Nigeria.
This appeal underscores the complexity of the situation, where internal security challenges are intertwined with external political dynamics. The cleric’s emphasis on diplomacy highlights the need for a multi-pronged approach to addressing the root causes of terrorism and ensuring national stability.
Key Points from the Speech
- Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye has called for urgent action against terrorism in Nigeria.
- He urged President Bola Tinubu to give the service chiefs a 90-day ultimatum to eliminate terrorist groups.
- The cleric noted that similar advice was given to former President Muhammadu Buhari, who acted initially but failed to sustain efforts.
- Adeboye also encouraged diplomatic engagement with the United States to manage potential international responses.
- The call for action comes amid growing concerns over insecurity and the impact of terrorism on the nation.