Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has finally spoken out regarding the escalating insecurity and rampant kidnappings plaguing Nigeria. His comments come after widespread online criticism and following the church's defense of the cleric against accusations of remaining silent on national issues.
Adeboye's Message to the Government
In a video shared on his social media accounts, Adeboye explained the limitations of his role in national affairs. He stated, "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 urged the government to act decisively, suggesting that security chiefs be given a strict timeline: "Move fast. Get rid of these terrorists within 90 days or resign." Adeboye recalled a past instance where a former president issued a similar ultimatum but failed to enforce it. He noted, "When three months passed, and the work wasn't done, why didn't you proceed with your threat?"
Targeting Sponsors of Terrorism
Adeboye emphasized that any new directive must go beyond eliminating insurgents to also target their sponsors. He declared, "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."
Speaking directly to his congregation, he added, "I'm talking to you as my children. If I were asked to make suggestions, I would say quietly to our government, move fast."
Public Reaction
Adeboye's comments reignited debate on the role of religious leaders in politics. Social media users shared mixed reactions. One user, ethelify, said, "Those of us who are your children know you've been speaking up. Don't mind those online nitwits on Social media." Another, surest_ziggy, commented, "Lead another protest sir."
Some critics pointed out inconsistencies. Deksyn remarked, "But you led a protest during the Jonathan regime, why can't you do the same now when it is even worse?" Similarly, jaybeea9___ noted, "Laughable but you took to the streets in 2014 during GEJ's tenure as President."
Previously, singer Spyro had called out Adeboye and other religious leaders for remaining silent amid the nation's hardships. In a video shared on May 26, Spyro expressed frustration that churches and mosques continue regular services without addressing the alarming state of the nation.
Pastor Adeboye's message underscores the ongoing tension between spiritual leadership and political activism in Nigeria, as citizens demand more direct action from their religious figures.
