Archbishop Benny Danson demands Tinubu’s immediate resignation over insecurity, hardship

Presiding Archbishop of RaphaFaith International Ministerial Network and the International Council of Archbishops and Bishops for Charismatic and Pentecostal Churches, Archbishop Prof. Benny Danson, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign immediately from office, citing worsening insecurity, economic hardship and what he described as a failure of governance.

The cleric made the call during a national prayer and press briefing attended by religious leaders, civil society groups and concerned citizens from across the country.

In a strongly worded address, Archbishop Danson accused the current administration of failing to fulfill its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.

According to him, Nigeria is currently facing unprecedented security challenges, including kidnapping, banditry and terrorism in various parts of the country.

“Nigeria is bleeding from every corner. Children are being kidnapped from their classrooms in broad daylight. Teachers are being abducted while serving, and retired military officers who once defended the country are now victims of the same insecurity they fought to prevent,” he said.

He added that the widespread insecurity has inflicted psychological trauma on families and communities while eroding public confidence in government institutions and hindering national development.

The Archbishop also condemned the country’s worsening economic situation, describing it as “inhuman and unsustainable.”

He said millions of Nigerians can no longer afford necessities due to rising inflation and economic policies that have deepened poverty.

“The Tinubu government has failed the social contract it signed with Nigerians. Citizens are finding it difficult to afford one square meal a day. Market women, artisans, pensioners and young graduates cannot feed their families. Parents now watch their children sleep hungry,” he lamented.

Archbishop Danson further argued that the removal of fuel subsidy without adequate palliatives and other economic policies has pushed millions of Nigerians below the poverty line, creating what he termed a humanitarian crisis.

Speaking on the nation’s democratic process, the cleric expressed concern over what he described as a shrinking political space and alleged difficulties facing opposition parties.

“When leaders perform well, they do not need to fight for recognition. The people will recognize them through their works. But when governance fails, leaders begin to seek self-recognition and manipulate institutions,” he stated.

He called for immediate electoral reforms, neutrality of security agencies and an independent electoral process capable of restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.

As an international peace advocate, Archbishop Danson said his call for the President’s resignation was both a civic and moral obligation.

“Leadership is service, not domination. A true leader knows when to step aside for the good of the people. Mr. President, it will be noble and honorable for you to resign and allow a proper government to emerge and make Nigeria great again,” he said.

The cleric further declared that Nigerians had become weary of hardship and unfulfilled promises.

“Nigerians are tired of excuses, tired of promises and tired of suffering. Enough is enough. President Tinubu, you are too old and need rest. Go and rest. Resign now, or face the judgment of history,” he said.

The RaphaFaith International Ministerial Network and the International Council of Archbishops and Bishops for Charismatic and Pentecostal Churches also expressed solidarity with Nigerians demanding accountable leadership, improved security and economic justice.

The organisations called on the National Assembly, the judiciary, traditional institutions and international partners to support efforts aimed at restoring public trust and strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

They maintained that their call was not driven by partisan, ethnic or religious considerations but by the need to ensure the survival, dignity and future of the Nigerian people.

“This is not about party, tribe or religion. It is about survival, dignity and the future of our children. Nigeria must be rescued from collapse,” the statement concluded.