The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to issue a 90-day ultimatum to Nigeria’s service chiefs to eliminate terrorists and their sponsors, following recent comments by United States President Donald Trump accusing the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians.
Adeboye’s appeal came during the RCCG’s November Holy Ghost Service themed “The Eve of Glory,” where he warned that Nigeria could face international consequences if it fails to address its worsening security crisis.
“Let the government use diplomatic means to convince President Trump to give us 100 days of grace,” Adeboye said. “Call our service chiefs—fortunately, they are new—and tell them to perform within three months or resign.”
The cleric’s message follows a controversial statement last week from President Trump, who alleged that the Nigerian government is “tolerating the persecution of Christians” and warned that the United States “may have to step in” if the killings persist.
Trump, speaking via his social-media platform Truth Social, hinted that Washington could suspend aid or take “direct action” against groups responsible for what he described as “religious genocide.”
In response, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Yusuf Tuggar, dismissed Trump’s remarks as “misguided and inflammatory,” insisting that violence in the country affects both Christians and Muslims and is driven by banditry, insurgency and communal conflict rather than religious persecution.
‘Tinubu Being Misled’
Adeboye, who described President Tinubu as his “in-law,” said he was disturbed by the President’s recent assertion that security had improved nationwide and that internally displaced persons (IDPs) had returned to their communities.
“I almost spoke out last month when I heard the speech from my in-law, the President,” he said. “When I heard him say that all is well now and that displaced people have returned to their villages, I almost said that the person who wrote that speech for my President does not like him. There are people around my beloved in-law who are not telling him the truth.”
Adeboye added that his intervention was not to apportion blame but to seek urgent solutions. “Our President inherited this problem; it started before him. I am an applied mathematician—I’m interested in simply getting the problem solved,” he said.
‘This Is Not About Religion’
Although Trump’s comments framed the violence in religious terms, Adeboye emphasised that the killings affect all Nigerians regardless of faith.
“This is not about Christians or Muslims—innocent people are dying every day,” he said. “We have been praying for Nigeria; we can’t keep praying without something happening. Newton’s Law of Motion says a body remains at rest unless compelled by an external force—God’s force will bring peace to Nigeria again.”
The cleric also warned against relying on external powers to defend the country. “If America attacks us, China, Russia and Britain will condemn it—but that’s all they’ll do,” he noted.
U.S. Threats Stir Diplomatic Anxiety
Trump’s remarks have rattled diplomatic circles. According to The Washington Post, he has instructed the Pentagon to “review Nigeria’s security situation” and “evaluate options” if the violence continues. The Nigerian Embassy in Washington has since begun diplomatic engagements to defuse tensions and clarify the government’s position.
Analysts warn that a military or sanctions response from the U.S. could destabilise Nigeria’s fragile economy and strain bilateral relations.
“Nigeria should move quickly to show credible progress against terrorism,” said Dr Olusegun Adebayo, a security analyst at the University of Ibadan. “Adeboye’s statement reflects growing frustration among religious and civic leaders about the pace of government action.”
Political observers say Adeboye’s rare public intervention could increase pressure on Tinubu’s administration to deliver concrete results.
As the country braces for intensified military operations and possible diplomatic fallout, Adeboye’s message resonates with many Nigerians weary of unending insecurity.
“Whatever method God chooses to use,” he concluded, “there will be peace in Nigeria again.”
