The cleric made the allegation in a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, in which he urged the Federal Government to demonstrate stronger commitment in tackling the country’s growing security challenges. He warned that failure to decisively confront terrorism could have serious implications for national stability and the success of the Tinubu administration.
Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that individuals financing and supporting terrorist activities in Nigeria are operating from within the military and the corridors of power.
The cleric made the allegation in a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, in which he urged the Federal Government to demonstrate stronger commitment in tackling the country’s growing security challenges. He warned that failure to decisively confront terrorism could have serious implications for national stability and the success of the Tinubu administration.
“There are people funding these terrorists, and they are within the military and the seat of power,” Ayodele said. “They are part of those taking decisions with you. These people are everywhere.”
According to Ayodele, insecurity could continue to spread across the country if the government does not adopt an inclusive strategy that involves stakeholders at all levels, from local communities to national security agencies.
“The government must show seriousness in this fight,” he said. “Everyone must be involved, from the locals to the national level. They must be pursued back-to-back.”
The INRI leader cautioned the President against underestimating the security situation, warning that insecurity could undermine his administration if left unchecked.
“If your government fails, it will be because of insecurity, as I warned in the beginning,” he said. “Don’t underestimate this at all.”
Ayodele also listed several states and locations he said should receive heightened security attention, including Bauchi, Katsina, Adamawa, Taraba, Kano, Lokoja in Kogi, Abuja and Ondo.
“These people are everywhere,” he said, “but concentrate more on Bauchi, Katsina, Adamawa, Taraba, Kano, Lokoja, Abuja and Ondo State.”
While commending the Nigerian military for its efforts, the cleric noted that security forces are confronting determined adversaries bent on destabilising the country.
“Sincerely, the Nigerian military has tried,” Ayodele said. “But these terrorists are stubborn enemies of this country, and they want to destroy the government.”
He further alleged that the attackers were deliberately targeting Christians in an attempt to destabilise the current administration.
“They want to do more by attacking Christians in order to mess up the Tinubu administration,” he claimed.
Ayodele warned that the ongoing battle against insecurity could be politically costly if not urgently addressed, especially as the country approaches another election cycle.
“This battle may be costly, but don’t let it cost your second term,” he said.
He also advised President Tinubu to pay close attention to intelligence reports and ensure state governors actively collaborate with security agencies.
“Concentrate on this security and follow the reports given to you by security operatives,” he said. “Order the governors to work with these reports because this issue may increase again by February and March.”