Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has defended the recent installation of solar panels at Aso Rock, urging Nigerians to applaud the move rather than criticise it.
In a statement, Omokri described the backlash as “small-picture thinking,” arguing that the project is both economically sensible and environmentally responsible.
He stressed that adopting solar energy at the Presidential Villa does not indicate a lack of confidence in Nigeria’s power sector, but rather reflects a shift toward sustainable energy in line with global trends.
In a statement on X, he cited the example of the White House, where solar panels were first installed in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter.
The system was later upgraded during the administrations of Presidents Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.
He noted that plans were also underway under President Donald Trump to improve the facility’s renewable energy setup.
Highlighting global adoption of green energy, Omokri referenced solar panels installed at Buckingham Palace during King Charles III’s tenure and the use of geothermal energy at France’s Élysée Palace.
Omokri’s statement reads: “It is small-picture thinking to believe that installing solar panels in Aso Rock is tantamount to the President’s lack of faith in the government’s plan to improve electricity generation and transmission in Nigeria.
“Please fact-check me: The White House, which is the seat of the United States Government, has been using solar panels since 1979 under President Jimmy Carter. These panels were replaced and improved under President Ronald Reagan in 1989, again by President George W. Bush in 2002, and finally by President Barack Obama in 2013. They are scheduled to be updated by President Donald Trump.
“Again, please fact-check: Solar panels are scheduled for Buckingham Palace as part of King Charles III’s clean energy project for the British monarchy.
“The same is ongoing in France, where the official premises of the French President, the Elysée Palace, are being fitted with geothermal panels that will make that building less dependent on public energy.
“Are you now saying that that means the United States Government does not have confidence in the ability of the United States Department of Energy to coordinate and provide adequate power for America? Or do the British Royal Family and the French Presidency not express faith in British Gas and Électricité de France to provide power?
“Solar energy, as well as geothermal power, is the future, and the entire world will eventually transition from fossil fuels and other nonrenewable sources of energy to renewable energy like solar, which does not affect the environment as negatively as current energy sources do.
“Like the White House, Aso Rock is not the property of President Tinubu or any incumbent President. It is the abode of the leader of the government and Head of State.
“It is funded with public money, and the President, as a trustee, must spend public funds prudently.
“Solar panels provide a cheaper and more affordable alternative to traditional forms of electricity, which in Nigeria are either hydroelectric or generated by power generators.
“By installing solar panels at Aso Rock, President Tinubu is leading by example and saving the Nigerian taxpayer money.
“The more Nigerians use solar energy, the less pressure they put on the National Grid. The grid can then evacuate scarce electric power to where it is most needed, including rural communities and industrial clusters.
“I appeal to Nigerians to think things through before jumping on government-bashing trends. It is a total misunderstanding of the issues for anyone to impugn the President and malign the Presidency for an act for which the government ought to be celebrated.”
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