In a candid video shared on his X handle, Abia North Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has voiced his frustrations regarding the economic challenges facing Nigeria, attributing significant losses in his business to the current policies of President Bola Tinubu.
As a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kalu revealed that he has not been immune to the hardships inflicted by government actions, stating, “I have suffered in this economy. I have suffered losses caused by apparatus of government, suffered humiliation caused by apparatus of government.”
Kalu appealed to Nigerian youths, urging them not to engage in protests against the federal government’s policies, expressing confidence that President Tinubu would not allow the ongoing hardship and hunger among citizens to persist. He remarked, “I hope that Tinubu will resolve the issues. He will not be a fool to leave us hungry.”
The senator, who previously served as the governor of Abia State, advised against following the example of Kenyan youths, emphasizing that while protests can be beneficial for democracy, they may hinder economic development. He acknowledged that President Tinubu inherited a challenging economic situation that would take time to rectify and assured that the president is aware of the citizens’ suffering.
Kalu’s remarks included a call for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to refrain from participating in a planned protest set for August. He stressed the need for patience, stating, “Give President Tinubu a little more time; it is too early to judge what he is doing.”
He recognized the anger and hunger felt by citizens but reiterated that now is not the time for protests. “I know times are very hard, but this is not the time that we should go to protest… Let’s give him some time. It is difficult to resolve what has gone wrong with this economy in a few years,” Kalu explained, highlighting the complexities of economic recovery.
In conclusion, Senator Kalu’s message reflects a plea for unity and patience as Nigeria navigates its economic challenges, urging citizens to allow the government time to implement necessary changes.
