Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has criticised Nigerians for what he described as a premature and damaging rush to portray Nigeria as a failed state following the reported accident involving boxing champion Anthony Joshua in Ogun State.
Omokri said many Nigerians relied on unverified social media videos and hearsay, rather than waiting for official reports, before attacking the country and its institutions.
Omokri disclosed that inquiries showed emergency responders did not abandon Joshua, contrary to viral claims. He explained that eyewitnesses began assisting the boxer almost immediately, while officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps and the police arrived shortly after. By the time an ambulance could reach the scene, Joshua was already close to a hospital, all within minutes of the accident.
Omokri added that preliminary reports indicate the fatalities recorded were due to severe collision trauma linked to excessive speed, not negligence by emergency services. He urged Nigerians to be more patriotic, patient, and responsible in public commentary, warning that unverified claims often cause lasting reputational damage to the country, even when later proven false.
