Cleric Urges President Tinubu to Address Insecurity and Inflation

Apostle Gabriel Akinadewo, leader of the Moitaliatu Church of God, has expressed dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s handling of Nigeria’s security and economic issues. Speaking at the 60th anniversary of the church in Ondo town, Ondo State, Akinadewo emphasized the urgent need for the federal government to take decisive actions against insecurity and inflation.

Security Concerns

Akinadewo, who also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Moitaliatu Organisation Worldwide, urged the government to expedite the judicial process for cases related to terrorism and banditry. He criticized the prolonged duration of such cases in court, particularly those involving herdsmen’s destruction of farmlands, banditry, and terrorism, which have often lingered for over five years without resolution.

“This is not right for the psyche of an average Nigerian. Once you arrest a terrorist or bandit, the trial should not be more than two, three months,” Akinadewo stated. He recounted the recent murder of a Redeemed pastor in Oyo State, who was killed after a ransom was paid, underscoring the urgency of swift justice.

Akinadewo also highlighted the inconsistency of Nigeria sending soldiers to maintain peace in Sierra Leone while failing to effectively tackle domestic terrorism. He stressed the importance of intelligence gathering over brute force and asserted that with proper intelligence, the government could easily identify and neutralize the relatively small number of bandits terrorizing the country.

Economic Recommendations

Addressing the issue of inflation and the rising cost of goods and services, Akinadewo called for the reintroduction of subsidies for petroleum products and agricultural implements. He pointed out that subsidies are a common practice worldwide, including in the United States, and urged the government to reconsider its stance on this matter.

Akinadewo also advised President Tinubu to expand his economic team to include experts from the private sector. He suggested that the president convene monthly meetings with these experts, along with key economic officials such as the Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to discuss and address economic issues, particularly the fluctuation of the naira.

“The government needs to do something drastic because Nigerians are hungry presently,” he said. He emphasized the role of the middle class in employment creation and warned against policies that displace those who can provide jobs.

Anniversary Reflections

Chief Ade Ibiyemi, Chairman of the anniversary celebration, praised the Moitaliatu Church of God for its six decades of spiritual service. Founded 60 years ago in Ibadan, Oyo State, the church is known for its effective prayers and spiritual support.

Akinadewo concluded by urging the government to take robust actions to improve security and stabilize the economy, thereby ensuring peace and prosperity for all Nigerians.