Former presidential aide and socio-political commentator, Reno Omokri, has come to the defense of the recent installation of solar panels at Aso Rock, the official residence of Nigeria’s presidency, urging Nigerians to commend the move rather than criticize it. Omokri dismissed the criticism of the solar panel installation as “small-picture thinking,” emphasizing that the decision was not only economically sound but also environmentally progressive.
In a statement, Omokri argued that the decision to install solar panels was in line with global trends towards energy sustainability and should not be seen as a lack of confidence in Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure. He highlighted that similar actions had been taken by various global leaders, citing the White House in the United States, which first installed solar panels in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter. These panels were later upgraded by subsequent U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan in 1989, George W. Bush in 2002, and Barack Obama in 2013, with plans under President Donald Trump for further improvements.
Omokri also pointed to other world leaders taking steps toward clean energy, including King Charles III of the UK, who has overseen the installation of solar panels at Buckingham Palace, and France, which has deployed geothermal technology at the Élysée Palace in Paris.
“Are you now saying that the United States Government does not have confidence in the ability of the U.S. Department of Energy to provide adequate power?” Omokri questioned. “Does the French Presidency not trust British Gas and Électricité de France to provide power?” he continued, stressing that these global efforts are a response to the growing need for sustainable energy solutions and reducing the environmental impact of power generation.
Omokri pointed out that solar and geothermal energy are crucial for the future of global power supplies, as they reduce harm to the environment and ease the pressure on national grids. He further explained that the installation of solar panels at Aso Rock would save the Nigerian government money and relieve pressure from the National Grid, allowing more energy to be directed to rural communities and industrial clusters.
He urged Nigerians to look beyond unfounded criticisms of the presidency and understand that the move towards solar energy is a smart, forward-thinking step in the right direction. “By installing solar panels at Aso Rock, President Tinubu is leading by example and saving the Nigerian taxpayer money,” Omokri concluded, calling for support and understanding rather than baseless backlash.
