Reno Omokri warns Nigerians against inflammatory comments on Benin Republic crisis, cites gains of political stability
Public affairs commentator Reno Omokri has urged Nigerians to exercise restraint and avoid making inflammatory or unconstitutional remarks while commenting on the political situation in the neighbouring Republic of Benin.
In a strongly worded statement on Thursday, Omokri cautioned citizens against abusing the constitutional freedom of speech, stressing that certain remarks — especially those calling for a change of government outside democratic processes — fall under treasonous conduct and not protected expression.
“It makes great sense to exercise caution when dealing with forces and situations we do not fully understand,” he said, noting that no nation permits public calls for unconstitutional regime change. “Do not abuse such freedoms and then cry wolf when your chickens come home to roost.”
Omokri warned that careless social media posts, particularly those aimed at gaining attention or online traction, could have serious legal and security implications. He urged Nigerians to think carefully before making statements capable of distorting facts or escalating tensions.
He also highlighted the progress Nigeria has recorded under the current administration, attributing these achievements to political stability. According to him, Nigeria’s foreign reserves now stand at $46.7 billion, making them the fourth largest in Africa, while the nation recorded 3.93% GDP growth in Q3 2025 and 4.23% in Q2 of the same year.
Omokri added that inflation had eased to 16.05%, and Nigeria’s GDP had expanded by $67 billion in the last two years—growing from ₦269.29 trillion in May 2023 to ₦372.8 trillion currently. He further noted that all 36 states now receive at least double their previous federal allocations.
He also pointed to Nigeria’s rising economic profile, with the country’s trade surplus increasing from ₦1.2 trillion in 2022 to ₦6.9 trillion in 2024, and the naira being ranked among Africa’s ten strongest currencies by multiple financial platforms. Additionally, Nigeria’s passport has climbed from the 97th to the 88th strongest globally on the Henley Passport Index.
Omokri insisted that these gains underscore the importance of maintaining calm and allowing the government to manage diplomatic issues with Benin Republic without public interference or misinformation.
“As such, I urge all Nigerian citizens to allow our government to respond to the developments in the Republic of Benin and to call themselves to order in their public statements regarding the democratically elected governments of Nigeria and its neighbours,” he said.
