RCCG pastor urges Tinubu to seek diplomacy with Trump
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has called on President Bola Tinubu to act urgently and diplomatically to persuade United States President Donald Trump to delay any punitive action against Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.
Speaking during the November Holy Ghost Service at the Redemption City in Ogun State yesterday, Adeboye cautioned that the unfolding situation required “wisdom and speed,” not confrontation.
“If I were asked to make suggestions, I would say to our government: move fast, move diplomatically, move wisely,” he said. “Find a way to convince the president of America to delay his actions for about 100 days, then come home and tell our security chiefs to get rid of these terrorists within 90 days or resign.”
His remarks come after Trump, on October 31, directed the Pentagon to prepare “possible action” in Nigeria, accusing the government of failing to stop the killing of Christians and describing Nigeria as a “disgraced country.”
The US decision followed Nigeria’s designation by the State Department as a “Country of Particular Concern” for alleged violations of religious freedom.
The Nigerian government has since rejected the allegations, insisting that the violence in the country cuts across all faiths. Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar described Washington’s move as a “misrepresentation of complex internal conflicts driven by criminal and extremist elements.”
Adeboye urged Tinubu to use diplomacy to calm tensions and demonstrate that his administration is tackling insecurity. “This is not the time for jokes or arguments. Innocent people are dying every day. Our leaders must put human lives above politics,” he warned.
He further cautioned that Nigeria should not rely on any foreign power for protection if conflict erupts, noting that even countries like China and Russia might only issue statements without offering help.
The cleric also called for the exposure of terrorism sponsors and greater accountability within the nation’s security apparatus.
His appeal comes amid global concern over Nigeria’s human rights record, as both China and the African Union recently urged the United States to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
President Tinubu, in response, reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to combat terrorism and protect citizens of all faiths, while maintaining that Nigeria remains open to international cooperation that respects its sovereignty.
Adeboye ended his message with prayers for peace and unity, expressing hope that the crisis could still be resolved.
“If we act with wisdom and urgency, this storm will pass,” he concluded.
