Former Presidential Adviser, Reno Omokri, has urged Nigerians to commend, not condemn, President Bola Tinubu for installing solar panels at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Omokri said critics of the move are missing the bigger picture.
“It is small-picture thinking to believe that installing solar panels in Aso Rock shows the President lacks faith in Nigeria’s power sector,” he wrote.
Citing global precedents, Omokri pointed out that solar energy has long been adopted by governments worldwide. “The White House has been using solar panels since 1979, under President Jimmy Carter, with subsequent upgrades by Reagan, Bush, and Obama,” he noted.
He also referenced renewable energy adoption at Buckingham Palace under King Charles III’s clean energy project and geothermal panels being installed at the Elysée Palace in France.
“Does that mean these governments doubt their national energy providers? Of course not,” Omokri said, dismissing criticisms as baseless.
He emphasized that renewable energy sources like solar and geothermal are the future and that it is only sensible for nations to begin transitioning from fossil fuels.
“Aso Rock belongs to the Nigerian people, not any individual president,” he added, stressing that public funds must be spent wisely.
Omokri praised the installation as a cost-saving measure, saying it reduces dependence on the national grid and serves as an example for citizens.
“The more Nigerians adopt solar energy, the less pressure there is on the national grid, allowing for better power distribution to rural and industrial areas,” he said.
He concluded by urging citizens to be thoughtful and informed, rather than rushing to criticize government actions that benefit the country.
