The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has described United States President Donald Trump as the “best politician” he has ever known, saying the American leader is known for keeping his promises and acting decisively.
Adeboye made the remarks during the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organised by the Save Nigeria Group in Washington, D.C., on June 23.
According to the cleric, his admiration for Trump is not based on agreement with all of the US president’s policies but on what he considers Trump’s consistency in fulfilling his campaign promises.
“I’ve never met Trump, but I’ve followed him, and I like him. It doesn’t mean I agree with all his ways, but what I like about him is, if you want the truth, he’s the best politician I’ve ever met.
“During the first time, an ambassador in Nigeria then visited me in my home, and he said, ‘What do you think about our new president?’ I said, ‘I like him because he’s doing what he promised he will do,'” Adeboye said.
The cleric contrasted Trump’s approach with that of many politicians whom he said often make contradictory statements.
“To be a good politician, you must be able to say two things from the same mouth. A little to the right and left—that’s what makes you a professional politician. I like him because when he says he wants to do this, you better get ready because many times he would have done what he’s going to do before he tells you.”
Adeboye also recalled concerns he raised last year after what he described as Trump’s warning that Nigeria could face military action over its security challenges.
He said he publicly appealed to the Nigerian government to respond swiftly, noting that although military strikes can be precise, innocent civilians could still become casualties.
“Thank God for Trump. Last year around November he sent a message that he was coming to bomb Nigeria, and I felt that again; if I don’t say something, things might not go the way they should go.
“There’s something wonderful about bombing; the only problem is that no matter how accurate your bomb may be, some innocent people will suffer, and I think he meant to bomb us several times,” he said.
According to Adeboye, he advised the Federal Government to adopt a three-pronged approach by engaging Trump diplomatically, directing the military to decisively tackle insecurity within a specified period, and going after those financing terrorism.
“I told them to do three things. Go and meet Trump, beg him and tell him to give you 100 days’ grace. Then call the military chiefs and tell them within 90 days to stop this mess or resign. Thirdly, go after the sponsors of terrorism because they are known,” he said.
The RCCG leader disclosed that he later shared the same advice during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, urging the President to establish diplomatic contact with the US leader.
Adeboye also defended Tinubu against criticisms over insecurity, arguing that the President had fulfilled his responsibility by issuing directives to the armed forces.
“I don’t support those accusing the President of not doing enough. When the Commander-in-Chief has given instructions to his subordinates, he has done his bit. You don’t expect him to put on khaki,” he said.
Drawing a comparison with Trump, Adeboye added: “When my friend Trump gives instructions to bomb anywhere, he doesn’t leave the White House. He has done his bit; the rest is left to those carrying out the assignment.”