Adeboye has never been silent on Nigeria’s problems — Ezekwesili

Former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili has defended the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, against claims that he has remained silent on Nigeria’s challenges.

Ezekwesili said Adeboye had consistently spoken on issues including insecurity, governance and restructuring under different administrations over the years.

In a statement shared on social media on Thursday, she argued that the real issue was not whether the cleric had spoken but whether Nigerians paid attention to his interventions.

Ezekwesili wrote: “No, Pastor Adeboye is not our problem. He speaks. He spoke in the 1990s. He spoke in the early 2000s. He spoke in 2010. He spoke in 2020. He spoke in 2025.”

She cited comments reportedly made by Adeboye during a Holy Ghost Service in November 2025, where he called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to intensify efforts against insecurity.

Adeboye said: “You can only advise the Commander-in-Chief; you cannot command him. But I’ve tried. God is my witness.”

He also urged the nation’s security leadership to tackle terrorism decisively.

Adeboye said: “Tell our security chiefs to get rid of these terrorists within 90 days or resign.”

According to Ezekwesili, the cleric also called for action against terrorists and their sponsors regardless of their influence or social standing.

The former minister further referenced Adeboye’s remarks at a governance forum organised by the RCCG and the Nehemiah Leadership Institute on October 1, 2020, to mark Nigeria’s 60th Independence Anniversary.

At the event, Adeboye reportedly criticised aspects of the country’s governance structure.

He said: “It is ridiculous that a traditional ruler must inform a local government chairman before he travels.”

The cleric also advocated restructuring as a means of preserving national unity.

Adeboye said: “We all know that we must restructure. It is either we restructure or we break. You don’t have to be a prophet to know that. Now, we don’t want to break up — God forbid.”

Ezekwesili maintained that the comments demonstrated that Adeboye had consistently spoken on national issues and challenged Nigerians to focus on meaningful action.

She said: “The real question becomes: What are we all now going to do about it?”

The former minister called on citizens to unite in addressing the country’s challenges and support efforts aimed at achieving reforms and national development.