By Mercy Gadia Adi
Former Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, stating that they are already yielding results at the macro level. According to Senator Kalu, the policies are aimed at achieving long-term sustainable results, which will eventually trickle down to the micro-economic level within the next two years.
The Senator, who is also a member of the Southeast Caucus of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), reiterated that the party has endorsed President Tinubu as their sole candidate for the 2027 general elections. According to Kalu, the APC is not afraid of the coalition movement, as the ruling party is ready to face any political contest in the coming general elections.
Senator Kalu, who is also a businessman, believes that President Tinubu’s economic policies are necessary for Nigeria’s growth and development. He noted that the President’s decision to stop fuel subsidy and merge the foreign exchange rates is a bold step towards achieving economic stability. According to Kalu, “This is the first President that stopped subsidy. This is the first President that merged the dollar. That is why we are suffering. Because Nigerians are not used to working hard. We are used to getting cheap money.”
The Senator emphasized the need for Nigerians to adopt a culture of hard work and entrepreneurship. He noted that President Tinubu’s policies are aimed at encouraging people to make money the right way, rather than relying on government handouts or speculation. According to Kalu, “People sleep in their houses and use telephone and get dollar and sell it at very high rate. People sit in their houses and use their tank farms and collect paper and they make money. This is one President who has said, if you are ready to make money, make it the right way. If you are not ready to make money, you leave it.”
Senator Kalu also emphasized the importance of national unity and stability. He noted that President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 would be in the interest of both the North and the South, as the country needs to maintain its unity and stability. According to Kalu, “We don’t want this country to break. We don’t want the country to break. We want the country to continue being our country.”
The Senator also emphasized the need for Nigerians to be patriotic and proud of their country. He noted that it is not good for Nigerians to curse their country or President, whether they are in opposition or in the ruling party. According to Kalu, “I love the country. I’m a product of this country and I’m very proud that I’m a Nigerian. Many people are not proud. You can see people cursing Nigeria abroad, talking about Nigeria abroad, saying bad things about their own country. It is not good.”
Senator Kalu also spoke about the issue of leadership transition, noting that President Tinubu will eventually leave office in 2031. According to Kalu, “The highest he will stay is 8 years. After 8 years, we take back our country. Buhari is a Daura now true or false? Is he not a Daura? So, one day, Tinubu will go back to Lagos in 2031. He will go back there.”
The Senator concluded by calling on Nigerians to pray for the President’s good health and long life, so that he can complete his tenure and achieve his vision for the country. According to Kalu, “What Nigerians should pray is for President to be in good health and have a long life to finish his tenure.”
In conclusion, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s comments on President Tinubu’s economic policies and leadership style reflect a broader vision for Nigeria’s growth and development. While the policies may be challenging in the short term, Kalu believes that they are necessary for the country’s long-term prosperity. As the country looks towards the 2027 general elections, it remains to be seen how Nigerians will respond to the President’s policies and whether they will re-elect him for another term.