The General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, Johnson Suleman, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider stepping down if his administration is unable to effectively tackle the growing insecurity threatening lives and livelihoods across Nigeria.
The outspoken cleric made the remarks while addressing members of his congregation during a church service, where he expressed concern over the persistent wave of terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, and violent attacks in different parts of the country.
Suleman argued that the government’s approach to combating insecurity must shift from targeting only armed attackers to identifying and dismantling the networks of individuals allegedly financing and sustaining terrorist activities.
According to him, the true challenge facing Nigeria is not merely the criminals carrying out attacks but the powerful sponsors who provide them with resources, weapons, logistics, and financial support.
The preacher stressed that any serious effort to defeat terrorism must begin with exposing and prosecuting those behind the scenes who enable extremist groups to operate.
“The sponsors of terrorism are the real problem confronting the nation. The government should focus on them. If the President cannot deal decisively with those people, then he should resign and allow someone else to take over the responsibility,” Suleman declared.
He further claimed that many of the young men currently involved in violent activities are products of extremist networks that have existed for years and were allegedly allowed to expand unchecked.
According to him, some of the individuals now seen carrying sophisticated weapons were children during the early stages of insurgent activities and have since grown into active participants in criminal and terrorist operations.
Suleman maintained that arresting or eliminating foot soldiers alone would not end insecurity, insisting that authorities must trace and neutralize those who recruit, fund, and arm violent groups.
“The young boys carrying assault rifles today did not emerge overnight. There are people empowering them, financing them, and providing the resources that sustain their activities. Until those sponsors are identified and brought to justice, the problem will persist,” he said.
Despite his criticism of the government’s handling of the security situation, the cleric praised Nigeria’s security institutions, describing them as highly professional and capable of confronting the country’s challenges when adequately supported.
Drawing from his international travels, Suleman said he has confidence in the abilities of the Nigerian military, the police, and the Department of State Services (DSS), arguing that the country possesses competent personnel capable of delivering results.
“I have visited many countries around the world, and I can confidently say that the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and the DSS rank among some of the finest security institutions globally. The issue is not necessarily a lack of capacity but the willingness to take bold action against those driving insecurity,” he stated.
The cleric emphasized that stronger political resolve is required to dismantle criminal and terrorist networks operating across the country. He warned that insecurity would continue to worsen unless those allegedly sponsoring violence are exposed, arrested, and prosecuted under the law.Politics
His comments come at a time when many Nigerians are increasingly concerned about the security situation, particularly in regions affected by recurring kidnappings, terrorist attacks, communal violence, and banditry.
Citizens, civil society groups, religious leaders, and political stakeholders have repeatedly called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts aimed at restoring safety and public confidence.
Suleman’s remarks are likely to add to the growing national conversation on security and governance, as pressure mounts on the Tinubu administration to deliver lasting solutions to the country’s security challenges.
The cleric concluded by urging the government to stop treating insecurity as a routine criminal issue and instead confront what he described as the broader network allegedly sustaining terrorist operations throughout Nigeria.