Adeboye urges Tinubu to act fast, seek diplomacy with Trump over US threat against Nigeria

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to act swiftly and diplomatically to persuade United States President Donald Trump to delay any punitive action against Nigeria amid rising tensions over alleged persecution of Christians.

Speaking during the November Holy Ghost Service at the Redemption City in Ogun State on Friday, Adeboye stressed that the current situation demands urgency, wisdom, and diplomacy rather than confrontation.

“If I were asked to make suggestions, I would say to our government: move fast, move diplomatically, move wisely,” he advised. “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 followed Trump’s directive to the Pentagon on October 31 to prepare for “possible action” in Nigeria, accusing the country’s government of “failing to stop the killing of Christians” and describing Nigeria as “a disgraced country.” The order came after the US State Department designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious freedom violations.

The Nigerian government has since rejected the accusations, insisting that violence in the country cuts across all religious and ethnic lines. Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar described the US stance as a “misrepresentation of complex conflicts” largely driven by criminal and extremist groups.

Adeboye urged President Tinubu to de-escalate tensions through diplomatic dialogue and demonstrate that Nigeria is taking decisive steps to address its security challenges. “This is not the time for jokes or arguments. Innocent people are dying every day. Our leaders must put human lives above politics,” he said.

He further cautioned that no foreign nation would come to Nigeria’s defense if a military conflict erupted, warning that while China and Russia might verbally oppose any US strike, they would not intervene militarily.

Adeboye also called for the immediate exposure of terrorism sponsors and stronger accountability among security agencies, emphasizing that the nation’s survival depends on proactive leadership.

His comments come amid heightened international concern over Nigeria’s human rights record. Earlier in the week, both China and the African Union urged Washington to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and avoid actions that could destabilize West Africa.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fighting terrorism and ensuring the safety of all citizens, regardless of religion. He assured global partners of Nigeria’s readiness for cooperation based on mutual respect and sovereignty.

Adeboye concluded his message with prayers for peace and unity, encouraging Nigerians to remain hopeful. “If we act with wisdom and urgency, this storm will pass,” he said.