In a significant development, Reno Omokri, a former aide to a past Nigerian president, has offered guidance on how President Bola Tinubu should approach the criticism from Peter Obi, the ex-Labour Party presidential candidate, and his supporters, known as the Obidient Movement. According to Omokri, the key to countering their negative comments lies not in direct responses, but in showcasing the administration’s achievements and ongoing projects.
Omokri shared his thoughts on social media, emphasizing the importance of focusing on positivity. He highlighted the numerous development projects underway in major cities like Abuja and Lagos, including the Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway and the Ile la-Sokoto-Badagry Expressway. Additionally, he mentioned the reconstruction of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, underscoring the widespread nature of these projects.
The former presidential aide believes that by broadcasting these accomplishments through various media channels, including television, radio, print, and social media, the Tinubu administration can effectively counter the negative narratives. Omokri suggested that when critics disparage Nigeria, the response should be to zoom in on the country’s achievements, rather than engaging directly with the criticism.
In a striking comparison, Omokri pointed out that the Obidient Movement often praises foreign leaders, such as Traoré, who, in his view, have achieved less than a local council chairman in Lagos. He noted that the Third Mainland Bridge in Nigeria alone has a value equivalent to half of Burkina Faso’s entire GDP, yet the Obidient Movement rarely acknowledges Nigeria’s positive aspects. Omokri jokingly suggested that perhaps these critics should consider relocating to Burkina Faso if they are so enamored with the country.
Overall, Omokri’s strategy for the Tinubu administration is to emphasize the country’s progress and development, rather than getting bogged down in responding to criticisms. By doing so, he believes the administration can effectively promote a more positive image of Nigeria and counter the negative narratives perpetuated by the Obidient Movement. This approach could potentially shift the focus away from criticism and toward the administration’s accomplishments, ultimately promoting a more constructive national dialogue.