By Charles Maduka
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, attributing the public’s discontent to a long-standing culture of expecting “easy money” without effort.
Speaking with journalists at the National Assembly, Kalu acknowledged the present economic hardship but urged Nigerians to be patient, expressing confidence that the long-term effects of the reforms would be positive.
“As a businessman, I can tell you the results are beginning to show at the macroeconomic level. While it hasn’t yet reached the grassroots, the direction is right,” he stated.
Kalu highlighted the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange rate as key achievements of the Tinubu administration, describing them as bold moves not seen since Nigeria’s independence.
“This is the first President who stopped fuel subsidy and merged the dollar rates. The hardship we’re experiencing is a result of adjusting to a system that rewards real productivity rather than shortcuts. Nigerians are not used to that. They’re used to making money without working hard,” he said.
He criticised past practices where people profited by manipulating currency values or operating tank farms without real economic activity.
“Some people sit at home, use papers and connections to make money. But this President is saying, ‘If you want to make money, do it legitimately. If not, step aside,’” Kalu added.
He maintained that with time, Tinubu’s policies would lead to a stronger economy, urging Nigerians to stay the course and adapt to a new way of doing business.
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