Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has faulted the call by the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Enoch Adeboye, for security chiefs to eliminate terrorism within 90 days or resign, insisting that responsibility for the nation’s security rests squarely with President.
George, a retired military officer, argued that while Adeboye’s concerns over the worsening security situation were justified, his advice should have been directed at the President as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces rather than the Service Chiefs.
Adeboye had recently urged the Federal Government to issue a 90-day ultimatum to security chiefs to tackle terrorism or vacate their positions, citing the growing insecurity across the country.
Reacting to the statement on Friday, George said the President, who appointed the Service Chiefs, bears ultimate responsibility for the nation’s security architecture and should be held accountable for successes or failures in the fight against terrorism and violent crime.
“The advice should be directed at the President, not the Service Chiefs,” he said. “The President is the Commander-in-Chief and has the authority to issue directives, set targets, or replace security chiefs if they fail to perform.”
Drawing an analogy with a newsroom, George noted that responsibility for organisational performance ultimately lies with the head of the institution.
He lamented the persistent wave of kidnappings, killings and banditry across the country, describing the situation as unacceptable and embarrassing.
According to him, the nation’s political leadership appears more focused on electoral politics and preparations for the 2027 elections than addressing the immediate security challenges confronting Nigerians.
George cited recent high-profile abductions, including that of relatives of the former Minister of Power, as evidence of the deteriorating security environment.
He warned that continued insecurity could undermine democratic participation ahead of the next general elections.
The PDP chieftain called on President Tinubu to convene a high-level security summit involving retired military commanders, intelligence experts, serving security chiefs and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy for tackling terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes.
He stressed the need for a review of Nigeria’s security architecture, improved intelligence gathering, enhanced inter-agency collaboration and greater accountability among security agencies.
George maintained that non-state actors should not be allowed to overpower the government, urging authorities to respond swiftly and decisively to acts of terrorism and kidnapping while operating within the confines of the law.
He further called for the prosecution of individuals found to be sponsoring or financing terrorist activities, emphasizing that the protection of lives and property remains the primary constitutional responsibility of government.
“Nigerians are living in fear and uncertainty. The government must take decisive action to restore confidence and ensure the safety of citizens,” he said.
The former military officer added that the continued captivity of innocent Nigerians and the rising cases of violent crime constitute a national embarrassment that requires urgent intervention from the nation’s leadership.
