The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has urged President Bola Tinubu to take swift diplomatic steps to address rising tensions with the United States following comments by U.S. President Donald Trump about alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Trump recently directed the U.S. Department of Defence to prepare for “possible action” in Nigeria if the federal government fails to halt what he described as targeted killings of Christians. The Nigerian government has repeatedly denied claims of religious persecution, insisting that insecurity affects citizens across religious and ethnic lines.
Speaking during the November Holy Ghost Service at Redemption City, Adeboye advised the federal government to open dialogue immediately.
“If I were to advise, I would say our government should move fast, move diplomatically, and move wisely,” he said. “Persuade the American president to delay any action for about 100 days. Then return home and tell our security chiefs to eliminate the terrorists within 90 days or resign.”
Adeboye warned that Nigeria should not assume global powers would step in to defend it.
“If America attacks Nigeria, China and Russia will only issue strong statements. Britain will not come to help us. No nation will fight for us,” he said. “This is not the time for arguments. Innocent lives are being lost every day—whether Christian or Muslim.”
His statement comes days after China cautioned Washington against interfering in Nigeria’s domestic affairs.
Criticizes Speechwriters Around the President
Adeboye also took issue with a portion of President Tinubu’s Independence Day speech, where the government claimed that displaced communities in conflict-hit regions had returned home.
“I almost spoke last month when I heard that,” he said. “The person who wrote that part of the speech does not like the President. My question is: Didn’t he see the speech before he read it?”
He pointed out that the country still experiences violent attacks, citing the killing of a traditional ruler the day after the speech.
Adeboye noted that Tinubu inherited a complex security situation but said what Nigerians need is focus and honest action.
“I am not interested in blame; I am interested in solutions,” he said. “Nigeria once had peace among Christians and Muslims before politics created division. We must return to that.”
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