Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has said the responsibility for addressing insecurity in Nigeria rests with President Bola Tinubu as Commander-in-Chief, not with the Service Chiefs alone.
George criticized comments by the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, who recently urged the Federal Government to give security chiefs a 90-day ultimatum to eliminate terrorists or resign.
According to George, such advice should be directed at the President because he bears ultimate responsibility for the nation’s security architecture.
“Nobody is saying Pastor Adeboye should command the Commander-in-Chief. No. That is not even possible. But that advice should be directed at the President, not the Service Chiefs. He is the one who should do everything to ensure that Nigerians are safe,” he said.
He argued that because the President appoints the Service Chiefs, accountability for their performance should remain with the presidency.
“Tinubu appointed the Service Chiefs. If they are not working, he has the power to give them ultimatum or fire them. The president should be held accountable for results in the fight against terrorism,” George added.
Expressing concern over worsening insecurity, the retired military officer described the situation as unacceptable and said security matters have been pushed aside for political interests.
“The most important issue in the country today is how to eliminate these blood-thirsty maniacs and that is the job of the Commander-in-Chief,” he said.
George pointed to rising incidents of kidnappings and attacks across the country, warning that insecurity could threaten democratic participation ahead of future elections.
He called on the President to convene a high-level security meeting involving retired military officers, intelligence experts, serving security chiefs, and relevant stakeholders to review Nigeria’s security strategy.
According to him, improved intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency cooperation, better equipment, and operational efficiency are necessary to tackle insecurity effectively.
George also urged authorities to take decisive action against sponsors of terrorism while stressing that government has a constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property.
“The growing concern that not enough has been done to secure Nigerians is a reality that cannot be ignored,” he said.
He added that the safety of citizens, security personnel, and communities across the country must remain a national priority.
