Abia North Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has spoken out regarding the significant hardships faced by Nigerians due to the policies implemented by President Bola Tinubu.
In a press briefing at the National Assembly on Tuesday, Kalu emphasized the urgent need for the president to provide relief measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens.
While acknowledging the removal of the fuel subsidy as a bold and necessary action, Kalu expressed concern over the economic difficulties this decision has caused for many Nigerians. He urged that the impact of these changes must be managed effectively and promptly.
“The hardship is real; people are suffering. We manage about 10,000 workers in our group, and ensuring their pay during this tough period is a challenge,” Kalu stated. He further revealed that his organization has had to implement cost-saving strategies due to the rising expenses stemming from the current economic climate.
He shared the financial burden of travel, noting that maintaining and fueling a private plane can cost between $10,000 and $20,000. As a result, he has advised senior members of his company to opt for commercial flights in an effort to save costs and support their workers across Nigeria and West Africa. “Everyone must be able to eat during this time of hardship,” Kalu added.
Kalu commended President Tinubu for demonstrating strong political will by undertaking economic reforms that previous leaders have shied away from for the last sixty years. However, he stressed the need for quicker relief measures. “No president in the last 60 years has dared to do what President Tinubu is doing to reform the economy. But we need to bring succor to Nigerians immediately. He has to act today, not tomorrow, because the situation is dire. No president elected by the people would want his citizens to suffer.”
He also suggested that the president consider reinstating the fuel subsidy, stating, “I’m not part of the economic team; I have not met with the president or anyone to discuss this. However, this is something the president should discuss with his economic team. The decisions he has made are unprecedented in the last 60 years of the republic.”
In response to rumors regarding his absence from the media, Kalu clarified that he had not passed away but rather took time off for academic pursuits. “There was nothing wrong with me. I had informed the Senate President about seven days before the Senate went on recess that I was enrolling in a course on democracy and the economy at a university, which I funded myself. I didn’t die; I didn’t go for a medical check-up. But if people say I’ve died, we give thanks to God,” he concluded.
