By Obinna Uballa
General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has urged President Bola Tinubu to engage diplomatically with United States President Donald Trump over allegations of Christian persecution in Nigeria, warning that the country cannot rely on global powers for protection if tensions escalate.
Trump had recently directed the US Department of Defence to prepare for “possible action” in Nigeria, accusing the government of failing to stop the killing of Christians and describing Nigeria as a “disgraced country.” The Federal Government has repeatedly denied claims of systematic persecution.
Speaking during the RCCG Holy Ghost Service at Redemption City on Friday, Adeboye said Tinubu must “move fast, diplomatically and wisely” to persuade Trump to delay any planned action for at least 100 days. According to him, the window should be used to intensify internal security operations and dismantle terror cells nationwide.
“If I were asked to advise the government, I would say: move fast. Move diplomatically. Move wisely,” Adeboye 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.”
Adeboye cautioned that no global power – including China or Russia – would intervene militarily on Nigeria’s behalf in the event of a conflict.
“If America attacks us, China and Russia may condemn it – but that’s where it will end. No foreign power will fight for us. This is not the time for grammar. Innocent people are dying,” he stated.
His comments come days after China issued a warning against external interference in Nigeria’s domestic affairs following Trump’s threat.
Adeboye also expressed concern about parts of Tinubu’s October 1 Independence Day speech, particularly the claim that displaced persons in the North have returned to their communities.
“I almost spoke publicly last month when I heard that section of my in-law’s speech,” he said, referring to Tinubu. “I said to myself: the one who wrote that speech does not like him. Because the very next day, we heard that a traditional ruler was killed.”
He said the president inherited a tough security crisis but must now confront it decisively.
“I am not here to blame anybody,” Adeboye said. “I am only interested in the problem being solved.”
The cleric recalled a past era when Christians and Muslims coexisted peacefully, saying politics has deepened division and insecurity nationwide.
