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By Dayo Emmanuel
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to act swiftly and employ diplomacy in responding to the recent comment by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, about sending troops to Nigeria to stop the killing of Christians.
Adeboye made the call on Friday night during the monthly Holy Ghost service for November at the Redemption City, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Addressing thousands of worshippers, he urged Nigerian leaders to take diplomatic and strategic steps to manage the situation before it escalates into an international crisis.
“I will quietly say to our government — move fast. Move diplomatically, move wisely. Find a way to convince the President of America to please delay his actions for about 100 days, and then come home and say to our security chiefs — ‘Get rid of these terrorists within 90 days or resign,’” Adeboye stated.
The respected cleric, who is fondly called Daddy G.O., referenced a similar directive issued by the late President Muhammadu Buhari during his administration. He recalled that Buhari once gave a three-month ultimatum to the service chiefs to eliminate the Boko Haram insurgents or step down if they failed to do so.
“There was a president — fortunately, he is dead now — that is Buhari. Some of you will remember him. He called the service chiefs together and said, ‘I give you three months. Get rid of all these Boko Haram people or resign,’” Adeboye recounted.
He explained that despite Buhari’s strong directive, the order was not followed through effectively, resulting in the continued spread of terrorism. Adeboye revealed that he personally visited the late president to discuss the matter when the ultimatum expired without significant progress.
“I went to see him. It was in the news. Unfortunately, he’s not alive now, or else I would have asked, ‘Sir, why didn’t you follow through?’” he said. “When three months passed and the work wasn’t done, why didn’t you proceed with your threat?”
Adeboye emphasized that the fight against terrorism in Nigeria should not stop with the insurgents alone but should extend to their sponsors, whom he described as highly influential individuals. “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 but also to eliminate their sponsors,” he advised.
The revered pastor also cautioned against depending on foreign allies for military assistance in the event of any international confrontation, stressing that nations act primarily in their self-interest. “If America should attack us, China is not coming to defend us. Russia will not come to defend us. All the so-called world leaders will talk and condemn in the strongest terms — that’s all they will do,” Adeboye warned.
He lamented the deteriorating security situation in the country, noting that innocent citizens continue to die daily despite assurances from the government. Reacting to a recent speech by President Bola Tinubu — whom he fondly described as his in-law — Adeboye said he was troubled by a claim that displaced persons had returned to their villages.
“When I heard him say that all those who were displaced have returned to their villages, I almost spoke. I almost said, ‘The one who wrote that speech for my president, my in-law, does not like him,’” he remarked.
According to Adeboye, the statement was far from reality, given that violent attacks were still being reported in parts of the country. He said the President might not be fully aware of the true security situation due to misinformation from those around him. “My conclusion is that there are several people around my beloved in-law who are not telling him the truth,” he stated.
Adeboye, however, noted that the insecurity challenge predated the current administration and should not be used as a basis for blame. “Our President inherited this problem. It started before him. I’m an applied mathematician — I’m more interested in getting the problem solved, that’s all,” he said.
The RCCG leader advised the government to prioritize diplomacy by reaching out to the U.S. President for a 100-day grace period before any action is taken. He further urged the newly appointed service chiefs to deliver tangible results within three months or resign.
He also addressed concerns from members of the congregation who might wonder whether he foresaw the current situation. Adeboye reiterated that he is not a prophet but only speaks when he receives divine direction. “Do you think I asked you to fast for 100 days for fun? Didn’t I share with you that God said this would be a remarkable year?” he asked rhetorically.
According to him, the challenges facing the nation should be viewed as part of God’s divine plan to bring about lasting peace. He reminded worshippers that the theme for the upcoming Holy Ghost service in Abuja was “Fear Not” — a message he said God revealed months before the current developments. “Anybody who knows the Bible knows that the only time God says ‘fear not’ is when there is something to fear,” Adeboye added.
He encouraged Nigerians not to lose faith despite the prevailing insecurity and global tensions. “When I put all these things together, I know that this year — the year God says will be remarkable — one way or the other, there will be peace again in Nigeria,” he assured.
Adeboye said years of prayers offered by Christians across the country would not go unanswered, affirming that God remains on His throne and will intervene in Nigeria’s affairs. “We can’t pray all these prayers without something happening unless God is no longer on His throne — and this one is true,” he declared.
In his concluding remarks, the 83-year-old cleric drew a scientific analogy from Newton’s Law of Motion to express his belief that divine intervention would eventually restore peace to Nigeria. “A body will remain at rest or maintain uniform motion in a straight line except an external force compels it to do otherwise. Whatever method God wants to use, at the end of it all, there will be peace in Nigeria again,” he stated.
Pastor Adeboye, who has consistently spoken about national issues with caution and spiritual insight, ended his sermon with words of reassurance to his followers: “And to you, my children, Daddy says — fear you not.”
