By Stephen Simon
Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olabode George, has disagreed with recent calls by Enoch Adeboye for Nigeria’s service chiefs to resign if they fail to end terrorism within a specified period, insisting that responsibility for the country’s security rests with President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking on Friday, George argued that while the service chiefs play critical roles in implementing security policies, ultimate accountability lies with the President as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
According to him, advice on security performance should be directed at the President rather than the military chiefs.
“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 Service Chiefs. He is the one who should do everything to ensure that Nigerians are safe,” he said.
To illustrate his position, George likened the situation to a newsroom where responsibility for overall performance rests with the editor rather than subordinate staff. He maintained that since Tinubu appointed the service chiefs, he possesses the authority to issue directives, set targets or replace them if they fail to deliver.
The PDP chieftain, a retired military officer, expressed concern over the worsening security situation across the country, describing the continued incidents of terrorism, kidnapping and violent crime as unacceptable.
“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. How he perfects that by directing the Service Chiefs on what to do rests with him,” George stated.
He also criticised what he described as an excessive focus on politics while insecurity continues to threaten lives and communities nationwide. According to him, political leaders should prioritise the protection of citizens over preparations for future elections.
George cited recent cases of abductions and attacks across the country, warning that persistent insecurity could undermine public confidence and national stability if not urgently addressed.
He urged the President to convene a high-level security meeting involving retired military officers, intelligence experts, service chiefs and other security stakeholders to develop more effective strategies against terrorism, banditry and violent crimes.
According to him, strengthening intelligence gathering, improving inter-agency cooperation, deploying modern equipment and ensuring greater accountability within the security architecture should be immediate priorities.
“Tinubu must also listen to this urgent call from Nigerians. Enough of rhetorics from those in government. The growing concern that not enough has been done to secure Nigerians is a reality that cannot be ignored. And that is the responsibility of the Commander-in-Chief because the prolonged captivity of innocent Nigerians diminishes us as a people,” he said.
