The Social Media Influencer, Reno Omokiri has highlighted in details the manner in which the peaceful coexistence of the people in the southwestern Nigeria has been benefiting the country.
In his recent post on X, Reno Omokiri, on Wednesday, emphasized that respect for culture, integrity, and collaborative efforts towards peaceful coexistence among the people of the southwestern region are crucial not only for the region’s well-being but also for the overall progress of Nigeria.
Mr. Omokiri also commended the southwestern states for their ability to address inter-state issues amicably through mutual understanding. He contrasted this approach with the actions of political actors in other regions, who he believes often fail to achieve such harmonious resolutions.
“Let us learn from how maturely the Southwest handles issues. Sharia law raised its tentacles in the region, and both Muslim and Christian Southwesterners united to calmly and quietly kill it. No riot, protest, unknown gunmen, or known gunmen. Just nipped in the bud.
“Yoruba Nation agitators tried to agitate in Oyo, and without involving the Federal Government or any force outside the state, Governor Seyi Makinde put a decisive end to it, and his fellow Southwestern Governors joined him irrespective of party affiliation.
“An Eze Ndi’Igbo in Lagos made a broadcast inviting IPOB to Lagos. The following week, he was in prison. He is still there. No shout or fight,” Omokiri stated.
The former Special Assistant to the former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Omokiri further emphasized the significance of justice, security, respect for human life, and human rights within the region. He pointed out that these factors have consistently contributed to the enrichment of both the region and the nation as a whole.
“Barely a month ago, there were fatal stampedes in Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra. As I speak to you today, only those behind the Ibadan stampedes went to prison and are gnashing their teeth before a judge. Everywhere else, people have moved on. Until it happens again!
“Moreover, the Southwest is the only part of Nigeria where people went to jail, compensation was paid, changes were made, and culture was changed after #EndSARS. No other region had that sequence of events. Some did part, others did less. But only in the Southwest did it all happen together,” he said.
In his opinions, Reno Omokiri believes that the presence of security, justice, and respect for humanity in the southwestern region attracts people from other parts of the country. This influx contributes to making the region a safe and prosperous environment for businesses and those seeking a better life.
“That is why the Southwest, with less than 30% of Nigeria’s population, generates more than 60% of Nigeria’s VAT at ₦3.11 trillion, while the rest of Nigeria combined generates only ₦2.4 trillion.
“That is why if you look at the VAT generation numbers from the various regions per capital, they do not follow population. They follow peace, law, and order. The more peaceful and ordered a region is, the higher its per capital contribution to the Nigerian economy,” he said
To further support his argument, Reno Omokiri highlighted the political stability in the region as a key factor attracting businesses. He emphasized that this stability plays a crucial role in driving capital development and economic growth, benefiting both the region and Nigeria.
“The two wealthiest men in Nigeria are in order, Aliko Dangote and Abdulsamad Rabiu. What do they have in common? They are all not from the Southwest, but they left where they are from to prosper even more in the Southwest.
“If you say it is just because of ports, why did they not go to the South-South, which has more ports than the Southwest (two ports in Rivers, two in Delta, and others in other parts of the region)? No. It is not ports. It is peace!,” he concluded.
Reno Omokri, (born 1974) is a Nigerian author, lawyer, social media influencer, former presidential aide, and political activist. He served as the Special Assistant to former President Goodluck Jonathan. He is known for his outspoken views on social and political issues, particularly regarding Nigeria and Africa.
