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Give service chiefs 90 days to crush terrorists, Adeboye tells Tinubu

Published

11 months ago

November 8, 2025

Give service chiefs 90 days to crush terrorists, Adeboye tells Tinubu

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive, wise, and diplomatic steps in addressing what he described as an alleged Christian genocide and worsening insecurity across Nigeria.

Speaking during the November Holy Ghost Service at the Redemption City campground, Adeboye advised the Federal Government to handle the situation with “balance and strategic foresight,” stressing that political and religious tensions must be approached with care.

“If I am asked to make suggestions, I will say quietly to the government to move wisely and diplomatically,” Adeboye said. “There were times in Nigeria when Christians and Muslims lived peacefully together. I have Muslim relatives and still share meals with them, but the trouble started when politics entered religion.”

The cleric revealed that he had offered private counsel to past presidents on similar issues but noted that only the Commander-in-Chief can act on such advice.

“All the presidents who were around when this trouble started, whatever I discussed with them remains confidential. I have done my best behind the scenes, but as I always say, you can only advise a Commander-in-Chief; you cannot command him. God is my witness,” he said.

Adeboye outlined what he would recommend if given another opportunity to advise the current administration.

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“If I were to advise our government, I would say: move fast, move diplomatically, and move wisely. Find a way to convince the President of America to delay his actions for about 100 days. Then, instruct our security chiefs to eliminate terrorists within 90 days or resign.”

He recalled that former President Muhammadu Buhari once gave a similar directive but failed to ensure compliance.

“Buhari once ordered the service chiefs to get rid of Boko Haram or resign, but he didn’t follow through. I asked him later why he didn’t proceed with his threat,” he recounted.

The cleric further advised Tinubu to ensure that efforts to defeat insurgents also target those funding them.

“When giving orders to the service chiefs, make it clear that they are not only to eliminate terrorists but also their sponsors, no matter how influential they may be,” he said.

Adeboye warned that Nigeria must exercise caution in its foreign relations, noting that no major power would defend the country in the event of external aggression.

“If America attacks us, China will not come to our defense. Neither will Russia or Britain. They will condemn it but do nothing,” he cautioned.

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The respected cleric expressed disappointment with what he described as misleading reports about security improvements in Nigeria, referencing a recent presidential statement.

“I almost spoke last month when I heard the speech of my in-law (Tinubu) saying all is well and displaced people had returned home. The person who wrote that speech does not like him. People around him are not telling him the truth,” he said.

Adeboye acknowledged that Tinubu inherited a deeply rooted security challenge but urged him to focus on solutions rather than rhetoric.

“Our President inherited this problem. As an applied mathematician, I am only interested in getting the problem solved,” he said.

Reiterating his call for diplomacy and accountability, Adeboye appealed to the government to seek international understanding and ensure effective leadership within the military.

“Let the government use diplomatic channels to convince Trump to give us 100 days of grace and then hold the service chiefs accountable. They must deliver within three months or resign,” he added.

He ended his message on a note of faith, expressing confidence that peace would eventually return to the country.

“God said this would be a remarkable year, even though the wind may be violent. The theme for our next Holy Ghost service is ‘Fear Not.’ One way or the other, there will be peace again in Nigeria.”

Give service chiefs 90 days to crush terrorists, Adeboye tells Tinubu

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Obasanjo Backs Higher Oil Derivation, Says 13% Is Only the Beginning

Published

9 hours ago

October 13, 2026

Trends Admin

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo

Obasanjo Backs Higher Oil Derivation, Says 13% Is Only the Beginning

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has backed calls for an increase in the 13 per cent oil derivation fund allocated to oil-producing states, saying the existing arrangement should be regarded as a starting point rather than a final settlement.

Obasanjo made the position known on Monday during the inauguration of the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) of the $1 billion Azikel Refinery at Obunagha in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Addressing Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, the former president acknowledged that oil-producing states and communities had yet to receive what he considered a fair share of the benefits from the exploitation of their natural resources.

“You are right that the states and oil-producing communities have not got a fair deal so far. Thirteen per cent is the beginning. You can continue to talk,” Obasanjo said.

His remarks reinforced renewed demands for a review of Nigeria’s revenue-sharing arrangement, particularly from the Niger Delta, where crude oil production has remained central to the national economy.

Under the existing constitutional framework, oil-producing states receive at least 13 per cent of revenue accruing to the Federation Account directly from natural resources, in line with the principle of derivation.

However, the allocation has remained a source of debate, with stakeholders in the oil-producing region arguing that the revenue does not adequately address the environmental damage, infrastructure challenges and economic difficulties associated with petroleum exploration.

Diri also criticised the existing arrangement, insisting that communities where crude oil is extracted should have a greater say in how the resources are managed and how the resulting wealth is distributed.

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The governor argued that the region had endured years of agitation over what residents perceive as an imbalance between the resources extracted from their communities and the benefits they receive.

He also faulted the Land Use Act, arguing that the distinction between state control of surface resources and Federal Government control of resources beneath the ground places oil-producing communities at a disadvantage.

Diri maintained that the Niger Delta was not demanding exclusive ownership of the proceeds from petroleum production but wanted to become a more active participant in decisions affecting the industry.

“We do not want to take all to ourselves. We just want to be co-players in determining how it is done. Thirteen per cent is not enough for the states,” he said.

The governor urged young people in Bayelsa to acquire relevant technical and professional skills to benefit from industrial investments, including the refinery project.

He warned that the presence of major oil and gas facilities would have limited benefits for local communities if residents lacked the expertise needed to secure employment and participate in their operations.

The refinery project, owned by Azikel Petroleum under the Azikel Group, is expected by its promoters to produce about 2.5 million litres of petrol and two million litres of diesel daily, alongside other petroleum products, when completed.

The installation of the crude distillation unit marks a significant stage in the development of the facility, whose foundation was laid by Obasanjo about eight years ago.

The former president commended Azikel Group President, Azibapu Eruani, for sustaining the project and urged him to complete the refinery within the next 12 months.

Obasanjo also acknowledged the contributions of the African Finance Corporation and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), calling for continued support to bring the investment to completion.

He praised Diri for supporting the project and commended the Bayelsa government for what he described as the productive use of the state’s available revenue.

Eruani said the refinery was conceived to position Bayelsa and the wider Niger Delta as active participants in the petroleum industry rather than merely suppliers of crude oil.

He expressed confidence that the project would support industrialisation, create economic opportunities and strengthen local participation in the oil and gas value chain.

The refinery initiative comes amid continuing debates over resource control, revenue allocation and development in the Niger Delta, with calls for oil-producing communities to receive greater economic benefits from the natural resources extracted from their territories.

Obasanjo Backs Higher Oil Derivation, Says 13% Is Only the Beginning

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FG Approves Upward Review of Feeding Allowance for NYSC Members

Published

1 day ago

October 12, 2026

Trends Admin

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FG Approves Upward Review of Feeding Allowance for NYSC Members

Abuja — The Federal Government has approved an increase in the feeding allowance for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) during their orientation course, with implementation scheduled to commence in 2027.

The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed this while addressing the 2026 Batch C Stream One corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Obubra, Cross River State.

According to the DG, the Budget Office has already been formally notified of the upward review of the allowance. However, the specific monetary value of the increment was not disclosed during the announcement.

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The approval comes amid persistent calls for improved welfare for corps members, particularly regarding the feeding and general upkeep provided during the mandatory three-week orientation exercise.

Beyond the financial announcement, Brigadier General Nafiu used the platform to counsel the corps members on financial responsibility. He advised them to spend wisely and cultivate a strong savings habit, stressing the importance of prudent resource management during their service year and beyond.

The DG’s visit to the Obubra camp was part of a broader tour to assess the welfare and conditions of corps members currently undergoing orientation across the country.

While the 2027 implementation timeline suggests a waiting period for the current batch, the approval signals the government’s intent to adjust the allowances in line with current economic realities. Further details regarding the exact amount and the modalities for the disbursement are expected to be communicated by the NYSC Directorate in due course.

FG Approves Upward Review of Feeding Allowance for NYSC Members

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Fuel Subsidy May Ease Hardship Today, But Could Cripple Nigeria’s Economy Tomorrow — FG

Published

1 day ago

October 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele

Fuel Subsidy May Ease Hardship Today, But Could Cripple Nigeria’s Economy Tomorrow — FG

The Federal Government has warned that restoring petrol subsidy could provide temporary relief to Nigerians but expose the country to severe fiscal pressure in the long run, as rising fuel prices continue to deepen the cost-of-living crisis.

Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele has estimated that a return to petrol subsidy could cost Nigeria more than ₦20 trillion annually, arguing that the financial burden could undermine government spending on infrastructure, healthcare, education and other essential services.

The warning comes amid growing public concern over the impact of rising petrol prices, transportation fares, food costs and business operating expenses on households and enterprises across the country.

For millions of Nigerians, cheaper petrol could offer immediate relief by reducing transportation and distribution costs. However, the government maintains that a blanket subsidy would place enormous pressure on public finances and could weaken the gains expected from the removal of fuel subsidies in 2023.

Oyedele said the scale of Nigeria’s petrol consumption makes a return to the policy particularly expensive. He has argued that subsidising petrol would divert substantial public resources from other priorities and potentially increase borrowing requirements.

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The government’s position is that the resources saved through fuel subsidy removal can be redirected towards infrastructure, social services and development programmes. However, the immediate benefits of those savings remain a major concern for citizens facing higher daily expenses.

The debate has intensified as the government explores alternative measures to cushion the effects of rising fuel prices without restoring a nationwide subsidy.

One of the proposed interventions is a temporary petrol discount at NNPC retail outlets, intended to provide short-term relief to motorists and other consumers. The government has maintained that the arrangement is different from a blanket subsidy because it involves a reduction in the company’s retail profit margin rather than direct government payments.

Other measures announced or proposed by the government include support for vulnerable households, wider adoption of compressed natural gas (CNG), and interventions aimed at moderating fuel costs and easing pressure on businesses.

However, the effectiveness of these measures will depend on how widely the benefits reach consumers and whether any reduction in petrol prices translates into lower transport fares and the cost of goods and services.

Critics of the current approach argue that the hardship facing households requires more immediate and measurable relief. They contend that increased government revenue from subsidy removal must translate into visible improvements in living standards, public services and economic opportunities.

The policy debate therefore centres on how to balance immediate relief with long-term economic stability. While subsidised petrol could reduce the price paid at filling stations, the ultimate cost to the country would depend on the subsidy rate, consumption levels, funding arrangements and wider economic effects.

For Nigeria, the challenge is to protect households and businesses from the effects of rising energy costs without placing an unsustainable burden on public finances.

Targeted assistance, better public transportation, investment in domestic energy supply and transparent deployment of public revenue could help cushion the impact of high fuel prices while limiting the risks associated with a universal subsidy.

Ultimately, the question is not simply whether cheaper petrol would ease hardship today, but whether the country can provide meaningful relief without creating financial pressures that could worsen economic conditions tomorrow.