Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has dismissed the negative phrase “Nigeria happened” often used to describe misfortune, insisting that he wants Nigeria to “keep happening” to him.
Omokri made the statement on Tuesday in a social media post reacting to renewed debates following the tragic death of ARISE News correspondent Somtochukwu Maduagwu, who was killed during a robbery attack at her Abuja home.
He argued that many Nigerians are quick to blame the country when bad things occur but rarely give credit when positive developments happen.
“When bad things happen, enemies of this country are quick to say that ‘Nigeria has happened’ to them.
But they take the good that occurs to them in Nigeria personally, without attributing it to our great nation,” Omokri said.
The former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan stressed that challenges exist everywhere.
He pointed out that the United States records over 20,000 murders annually yet Americans do not condemn their country for it.
“This is Earth, not heaven,” he added.
Omokri highlighted several achievements he believes show Nigeria’s progress.
He cited record power generation, declining inflation, and growth in the economy.
According to him, the country reached its highest electricity peak of 5,801.84MW and maximum daily energy output of 128,370.75 megawatt-hours in history.
He further claimed Nigeria had become a net exporter of refined petroleum products, an achievement he said only a few governments, including those of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, and Bola Tinubu, made possible.
“Nigeria’s fuel imports have drastically reduced.
The International Energy Agency confirms Nigeria is now the largest exporter of refined petroleum products in West Africa,” he stated.
Omokri also said the Nigerian economy grew by $67 billion in two years and argued that the naira still maintains stronger purchasing power than several African currencies.
“$100 in Nigeria will buy you more than $100 in Ghana, Cameroon, Kenya, Ethiopia, or South Africa,” he wrote.
He urged Nigerians to focus more on positive national stories rather than dwell on failures.
“Nigeria is a great country, but it is not perfect because perfection is divine.
We can choose to look at the negatives, but there are many positive things happening in Nigeria that we refuse to project because we love bad news,” Omokri added.
The phrase “Nigeria happened” has sparked heated debate since Maduagwu’s death.
In one of her past posts, she had written, “I pray from the depth of my heart that Nigeria never happens to me or anyone I care about.”
Her colleague, Reuben Abati, also commented during The Morning Show on Tuesday, noting that “when Nigeria happens to us, it is a sad thing.”
The expression continues to divide opinion. Some Nigerians argue it reflects systemic failures and harsh realities, while others insist the nation should not always be blamed for individual misfortunes
Post Views: 50
