… Says economic reforms ‘ll yield results
In a spirited defence of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and economic policies, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, former governor of Abia State and current representative of Abia North in the Senate, has declared that the Southeast was the first region to formally endorse the President for re-election, well ahead of other political blocs.
He insisted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has no fear of opposition realignments and remains firmly in control of the nation’s political direction.
Speaking with journalists at the National Assembly, Kalu dismissed speculation that recent waves of public support for Tinubu are motivated by anxiety over emerging opposition forces. “No, no, no. I don’t think that a party like APC has anybody to fear,” he said.
“We are the ruling party. We are passionate about Nigeria. Many of us are creating jobs through our businesses because we care.”
He revealed that the Southeast APC caucus gave its backing to Tinubu weeks before any other regional formation, in a meeting chaired by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, co-chaired by the Ebonyi State Governor, and attended by key figures including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Addressing the recent debate over President Tinubu’s presence at the Vatican for the inauguration of the new Pope, Kalu, a devout Catholic, dismissed criticism that a Christian delegate should have represented the country instead.
“The President has a personal relationship with the Pope. They met in Chicago. The Pope invited him personally,” he explained. “As a Catholic, I believe he did the right thing by honouring the invitation.”
Turning to the economy, Kalu acknowledged the widespread hardship Nigerians are facing but insisted that Tinubu’s bold reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of exchange rates are already showing positive signs at the macroeconomic level.
“This is the first President since independence who had the courage to take these steps,” he said.
“People were used to free money and shortcuts, so the adjustment is painful, but necessary.”
Kalu maintained that President Tinubu’s administration is a national project, not a regional one, and stressed the importance of unity in moving the country forward.
“Tinubu is not just a southern President. He will be voted for by the North and South alike,” he said. “We don’t want Nigeria to break. We must keep the country together.”
The Senator also reflected on his own record in the Senate, noting that his recognition as a high-performing lawmaker stems from his sustained commitment to infrastructure, education, and agriculture in Abia North.
“We’ve worked hard, roads, schools, and now we’re shifting focus to agriculture,” he said, recalling his time as governor when civil servants were encouraged to engage in farming.
He added that his personal foundation plays a crucial role in bridging gaps left by government intervention, providing support to internally displaced persons in the North and funding education and infrastructure projects. “I don’t even have a bank account. I spend what I have for the people,” he said.
When asked about his attire, which bore visible support for President Tinubu, Kalu smiled and said others were already wearing it too.
“I’m wearing it for our President, your President,” he said, with a laugh.
