Act Fast or Risk It All: Pastor Adeboye Urges President Tinubu to Seek 100-Day Grace from U.S. and Crush Terrorism

In a rare and impassioned public appeal that has set off intense discussions across Nigeria’s political and religious landscape, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take urgent and strategic steps to confront the nation’s deepening security crisis. Speaking during a recent sermon that quickly went viral on social media, the revered cleric called on the Nigerian leader to “move fast, move diplomatically, move wisely,” stressing that the time for half-measures had long passed. Adeboye’s message carried both a warning and a plea — a call to action directed at the highest level of government, intertwined with a subtle caution about the looming consequences of inaction.

“I suggest President Tinubu to move fast, move diplomatically, move wisely. Find a way to convince the President of America to please delay his actions for 100 days and then instruct his service chiefs to get rid of these terrorists or resign,” Adeboye declared, his tone firm and deliberate. Those words reverberated far beyond the church auditorium. Within hours, clips of the message began circulating on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and WhatsApp groups nationwide, sparking heated debates about what the cleric meant by “delay his actions” and what kind of moves might be coming from Washington.

While Adeboye did not specify the exact nature of the “actions” he referred to, many observers linked his remarks to the recent designation of Nigeria by the U.S. government as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious freedom violations and rising insecurity, especially in Christian-dominated regions of the north. The designation, which could pave the way for targeted sanctions or diplomatic restrictions, has already rattled Abuja and drawn mixed reactions from Nigerian citizens, religious leaders, and policy analysts.

Adeboye’s intervention comes at a time when Nigeria faces escalating insecurity on multiple fronts. From persistent Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks in the Northeast to rampant banditry and kidnappings across the Northwest and Middle Belt, and growing separatist tensions in the Southeast, the country continues to grapple with violence that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions. Amid all this, citizens’ confidence in the government’s ability to provide security remains worryingly low.

The cleric, often known for his measured tone and spiritual focus, appeared this time to take on a distinctly prophetic and political edge, signaling the depth of concern even within Nigeria’s religious community. His choice of words — “move diplomatically” and “convince the President of America” — hinted at his awareness of the fragile state of Nigeria’s foreign relations and the growing impatience of the international community over the country’s deteriorating security record.

Political watchers note that Adeboye’s comments could serve as both a warning and an opportunity for the Tinubu administration. On one hand, it underscores the urgency of decisive military and diplomatic action to reassure allies and citizens alike. On the other hand, it reveals how Nigeria’s religious leaders are beginning to speak more boldly about governance and accountability, particularly as the social and economic hardships facing citizens intensify.

Within Nigeria’s corridors of power, sources say the Presidency is aware of the weight such a message carries, especially coming from someone of Adeboye’s stature. The octogenarian cleric, who leads one of the largest Pentecostal movements in Africa, commands millions of followers at home and abroad. His public pronouncements often resonate deeply among believers and policymakers alike. For many Nigerians, Adeboye’s latest statement reflects not political rivalry, but patriotic urgency — a spiritual leader’s plea for the restoration of national security and dignity.

Meanwhile, reactions from Nigerians online have been mixed. Supporters of the cleric praised him for his boldness in speaking truth to power, describing his advice as timely and patriotic. “Daddy G.O is absolutely right. Diplomacy is key right now, but we must also act decisively. If we lose another 100 days to indecision, Nigeria may never recover,” one user wrote on X. Another added, “The government should listen to this man of God. His words have always come with wisdom. It’s not a political message, it’s a national one.”

However, some critics accused Adeboye of veering too close to political commentary, arguing that religious leaders should avoid making public suggestions that could be interpreted as political pressure. A user commented, “This is not the job of the pulpit. Advising the President is fine, but publicizing such messages could increase tension or send the wrong diplomatic signal.”

Despite the divided reactions, there is no denying that Adeboye’s message has reignited public discourse around Nigeria’s leadership approach to the terrorism problem. The notion of giving the nation’s security chiefs a 100-day ultimatum — as the pastor suggested — resonates strongly with Nigerians frustrated by years of endless promises and limited progress. Many recall similar deadlines in the past that yielded little change, leaving citizens more vulnerable and communities in ruins.

In the broader geopolitical context, Adeboye’s reference to engaging the U.S. President diplomatically may reflect fears that external pressure could worsen Nigeria’s economic and security challenges. With the U.S. recently signaling tougher stances on human rights and religious persecution worldwide, Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” could carry serious implications for aid, trade, and international perception. Adeboye’s suggestion of a 100-day window might thus represent an appeal for breathing space — a chance for Nigeria to demonstrate meaningful progress on internal reforms and security before punitive measures are applied.

Political analysts say the Tinubu administration must now navigate this moment carefully. “Adeboye’s remarks are not just religious rhetoric; they reflect the voice of millions of Nigerians who are losing faith in the system,” said political commentator Tunde Akande in an interview with local media. “The President must see this as an opportunity to show leadership. Diplomacy with the U.S. should go hand in hand with a renewed and transparent military strategy. The people need to see results.”

For decades, Pastor Adeboye has maintained a delicate balance between faith and national engagement, rarely wading directly into political waters. But his latest remarks signal that even the clergy are running out of patience with Nigeria’s chronic insecurity. His call for Tinubu to act “fast, diplomatically, and wisely” encapsulates what many Nigerians have long demanded — a leadership that is not only assertive at home but also strategic abroad.

As the country awaits the government’s response, one thing is certain: Adeboye’s voice has once again pierced through the fog of politics and bureaucracy, stirring both reflection and controversy. His plea for a 100-day grace from the world’s most powerful nation is more than just a religious appeal — it is a symbolic countdown, a reminder that time is fast running out for a country struggling to reclaim its peace, dignity, and global standing. Whether President Tinubu will heed the counsel and turn it into decisive action remains to be seen, but for now, Nigeria watches, prays, and hopes that wisdom prevails where words have already sounded the alarm.